Italy or France, early 19th century

Osenat Versailles, 23 March 2014, lot 139.

The Continence of Prince Eugène de Beauharnais refers to the composure and humanity displayed by the Prince during the Battle of Marengo, near Novara, on 14 June 1800. On that occasion, a wounded Austrian officer lying on the ground was about to be trampled by the French cavalry, but was saved when the Prince halted his troops with the command: “Open the ranks, respect the unfortunate brave.”

This heroic episode became the subject of a coloured print titled Trait d’Humanité du Prince Eugène de Beauharnais, in which the Prince is shown in the same pose as in our wax, with his right arm raised. The gesture was later repeated in the equestrian portrait of the Prince painted by the Milanese court painter Albrecht Adam (1786–1862), dated 1823, and sold at Sotheby’s London, 5 December 2024, lot 333.

Eugène de Beauharnais (1781-1824)

He was the son of Joséphine de Beauharnais, wife of Napoleon.

Distinguished for his bravery and generosity at the Battle of Marengo in 1800, he earned the rank of Chef d’escadron.

In 1805 he was appointed Viceroy of the Kingdom of Italy and Prince of Venice.

His principal royal residence was the Villa Reale at Monza, to which he added the park, still the largest fenced park in Europe.

In 1812 he commanded the 4th Army Corps, composed of Italian and French troops, during the Russian campaign.

In the catalogue of the Osenat sale, lot 139, 23 March 2014, the note refers to a similar equestrian wax, this one depicting Emperor Napoleon, which had been sold at auction in 2002. The base was inscribed: “Collection Reine Hortense d’Arenberg – Empereur Napoléon, don de l’Impératrice Eugénie à M. F. Rainbeaux, écuyer de l’Empereur.”