Napoleon I | Annotated document, list of nominations for membership of the Legion D'Honneur, 1811

Napoleon I

Annotated list of nominations for the Legion d'honneur

titled "Les nominations sont faites par decret du 6 aout 1811", each page divided into six columns giving the soldier's name, rank, proposed position within the legion, his war record, any particular observations on his character or merit, and the decision, with Napoleon's annotations and names struck out by him in characteristically bold strokes, with nineteen words in Napoleon's hand, folio, 35 pages, bound with blue ribbon, light spotting

A document offering offers a remarkable record of key military figures in the Grande Armée. The Legion of Honour was established in 1802 by Napoleon and overhauled the old French order of chivalry, where only members of the nobility could be awarded. In this new system, only merit or bravery were considered irrespective of a man's social standing. Napoleon harnessed the power of bestowing medals and rewards, being aware of the loyalty that decorated men would give to their leader. The order is divided into five degrees of increasing prestige: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand officier (Grand Officer), and Grand-croix (Grand Cross).

First named is General Gazan, who had been wounded at the Battle of Albuera, in which the French were defeated by the combined British, Spanish and Portuguese forces, and whose nomination for the Grand Aigle is particularly desired by Marshal Soult, the French commander at that battle. Napoleon has crossed out this nomination and written beside it "Il faut qu'il gaugne une bataille."

PROVENANCE:

Sotheby's, London, 16 May 1978, lot 303