This is a fascinating object. Before the invention of photography it was common practice to make plaster casts of the faces of famous people after they had died. The original death mask of Napoleon Bonaparte was made in 1821 by Dr Antommarchi. Only a few copies were made of the original and cast in bronze.

This smaller example is just 11.5cm long and was probably cast later with a small piece of wire built in for hanging on the wall. Like Napoleon himself, this chap has had one or two scrapes but his essence shines through.

Free Delivery