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BONAPARTE (General Napoleon) – ITALIAN CAMPAIGN & SURRENDER …
See original version (French)
57
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BONAPARTE (General Napoleon) – ITALIAN CAMPAIGN & SURRENDER …
See original version (French)
Estimate €200 - €300
Voluntary lot
Description
BONAPARTE (General Napoleon) – ITALIAN CAMPAIGN & SURRENDER OF MANTOVA (1797). A poetic tribute from the Municipality of Casalmaggiore, printed on silk satin.
Black letterpress print on silk satin
Casalmaggiore [Lombardy], 26 Piovoso, Year V (14 February 1797)
Printer: Dalla Stamperia delli Fratelli Bizzarri con permissione
H. 52.5 cm - W. 42 cm
A few tears and losses, crease stain
Note:
A remarkable commemorative poster printed on silk in honour of the Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Italy, to mark the capitulation of the fortress of Mantua (surrender by Field Marshal Wurmser on 2 February 1797), a pivotal episode of the First Italian Campaign.
The text opens with the official dedication from the Lombard municipality:
‘ON THE OCCASION OF THE LONG-AWAITED SURRENDER OF MANTOVA TO THE GLORIOUS REPUBLICAN ARMY, CELEBRATED IN CASALMAGGIORE ON 26 PIOVOSO, YEAR V OF THE FRENCH REPUBLIC [...] THE MUNICIPALITY OF CASALMAGGIORE DEDICATES THE FOLLOWING SONNETS TO THE GREAT, GENEROUS AND INVINCIBLE HERO, GENERAL-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMY OF ITALY, BONAPARTE”
The main body of the text comprises two sonnets arranged in two columns framing a vertical typographical frieze featuring scrollwork and ornate initials. One of the poems invokes the spirit of Hannibal crossing the Alps to salute the young conqueror (‘Now Italy, O invincible leader, is yours’), whilst the second exhorts Italy to break its chains under the impetus of the republican cause (‘Sarai più bella; e non sarai più serva’).
In the 18th century, prints on silk were the ultimate ceremonial tribute. Produced in extremely limited numbers (just a few copies presented to generals, consuls or Bonaparte himself), they are infinitely rarer and more sought-after than the paper versions.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
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