Gift to the Fondation Napoléon of a rare original copy of L’Aiglon by Edmond Rostand

Gift to the Fondation Napoléon of a rare original copy of <i>L’Aiglon</i> by Edmond Rostand
Thierry Lentz, General Director of the Fondation Napoléon, Maryse Estier, theatre director, Olivier Aubriet and his wife, Pierre Branda, Academic Director of the Fondation Napoléon, 2 June 2022 Fondation Napoléon - Rebecca Young

On 2 June 2022, Mr Olivier Aubriet donated to the Fondation Napoléon a unique copy of L’Aiglon, the famous play written in 1900 by Edmond Rostand, about the time the son of Napoleon I and the Empress Marie-Louise were at the court of Vienna. This first edition, dated 1900, in perfect condition, is illustrated with 79 original watercolours by the illustrator Edyck. This work is now part of the Fondation Napoléon’s collection.

The Fondation Napoléon extends its warm thanks to Mr Aubriet, a generous patron who has also participated in all the subscriptions launched by the Fondation Napoléon and its partners since 2010.

At a small ceremony at the Fondation Napoléon, attended by the Mr Aubriet and his wife, Thierry Lentz, General Director of the Fondation Napoléon, Pierre Branda, Academic Director and Head of the Heritage Department of the Fondation Napoléon, several members of staff of the Fondation, and Maryse Estier, founder of the Jordils theatre company and director of L’Aiglon (a project supported by the Fondation Napoléon), Mr Aubriet said a few words. He also presented Maryse Estier with a special copy of L’Aiglon.

What is the nature of the gift?

This is a first edition of L’Aiglon. Edition of 1900.

– Bound in full green morocco leather by Chambolle-Duru
– Covers preserved
– Spine with five nerves
– Double gilt fillet on the edges
– Beige morocco lining decorated with a semis of gilt bees
– Green embroidered silk stiffeners
– Unique copy with 79 original watercolours by Edyck in the margin or on the full page at the beginning of each act.

3 June 2022