Sword of the Chief of Heralds, used to proclaim Napoléon emperor
Designed by Jacques-Louis David and Jean Baptist Isabey. Manufactured by Nicolas Noel Boutet at the Versailles imperial armory. - 1804
During the three-hour coronation ceremony, the Imperial couple sat on their thrones, which were placed on a platform under Notre Dame Cathedral’s main arch. The enthronement conferred on Napoléon the supreme power of France. It fell to the Chief of the Heralds to proclaim him Emperor and announce the coronation to the crowd.
Historical Provenance - Charles Marchal collection
