After Antoine-Denis Chaudet (Paris, 1763 - 1810, Paris)
Eagle Finial: Insignia of the First Regiment of Grenadiers of Foot of Napoleon's Imperial Guard, 1813-1814
Gilded bronze, 25.4 cm (10 in.)
This is 10 inches tall gilded bronze finial of an eagle meant to be attached to a staff on top of a flagpole and carried into battle. This particular eagle finial was the insignia of the First Regiment of Napoleon’s Imperial Guard. The eagle’s full-feathered body faces front, and its proud majestic head is turned to our right. It has a long beak which is slightly closed, and its wings are unfurled and outstretched with one talon resting on Jupiter’s thunderbolt, an object that resembles a bundle of crossed sticks. It is mounted on a small plinth with the number 1, indicating the regiment. There is a silk flag tied to the plinth with golden fringe and stars.
Short Gallery
Commentary
This gilded bronze eagle finial once decorated the top of a flag of Napoleon’s Imperial Guard. In the late 19th century, Napoleon was admired as a strong and effective leader, creating an active market for his memorabilia. Isabella Gardner purchased both the finial and the flag in 1880 from a New York antiques dealer.
During the 1990 theft, the thieves attempted to unscrew the flag from its frame but ultimately abandoned their efforts and took only the finial.
There is a separate $100,000 reward for information leading to the return of the finial. While the Gardner Museum’s piece has distinct markings, eagle finials are numerous, and someone may unknowingly have the Museum’s finial in their possession.