Napoleon’s travelling case by Biennais
A case holding all an emperor needed on campaign: cutlery, bottles, razors and writing things in silver gilt.
Biennais (1764–1843) was Napoleon’s goldsmith and made the crowns for the coronation of 1804. His nécessaires went with the emperor on campaign. Examples are in the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum and the Fondation Napoléon.
Materials: Silver gilt, crystal, porcelain, mahogany case with brass fittings
Manufacture: Each object made to fit exactly in its compartment in the lined case.
The fitted interior in which every object has its own recess.
Napoleon’s imperial N and eagle on the silver.