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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Thomas Adamson and Jeffrey Schaeffer

Napoleon's world is on display for a landmark auction, from divorce papers to his iconic hat

France Napoleon Auction - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

After the Hollywood epic “Napoleon” exposed the legendary emperor to a new generation two years ago, over 100 relics — which shaped empires, broke hearts and spawned centuries of fascination — are on display in Paris ahead of what experts call one of the most important Napoleonic auctions ever staged.

His battered military hat. A sleeve from his red velvet coat. Even the divorce papers that ended one of history’s most tormented romances — with Josephine, the empress who haunted him to the end.

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