Napolean Bonaparte's Armchair (426)

This chair belonged to the most powerful man in Europe during the early 19th century . Napoleon Bonaparte. It was made in Paris of carved and gilded beech wood, and upholstered with regal red wool trimmed with gilded silver thread. So how did it get to the New-York Historical Society? Its story with many characters. Napoleon used it in his council chamber at Malmaison, where it remained until at least 1814. It was brought to America by Napoleons brother Joseph Bonaparte, who fled France after Napoleons ultimate defeat in 1815. Joseph came to America and settled in Bordentown, New Jersey at a lavish estate known as Point Breeze. When Joseph returned to Europe he gave the chair to his business associate Felix Lacoste, the Consul General of France in New York City. When LaCoste died, Vice-Consul Louis Borg purchased it from his estate. Borg eventually presented it the New York Historical Society in 1867. Miraculously, the chair retains its original upholstery and much of its original finish. The seat is faded and worn, so it was probably used often by its owners over the years. Who could resist the temptation to sit in such a seat of power?