Death Mask of Napoleon - Luigi Calamatta
Archival giclée
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Description
A detailed engraving by Luigi Calamatta, depicting the death mask of Napoleon Bonaparte framed by imperial symbols and military regalia.
This engraving by Luigi Calamatta depicts the death mask of Napoleon Bonaparte, a subject that held immense fascination for the European public following the emperor's demise on Saint Helena in 1821. Calamatta, an Italian engraver of significant technical skill, based this work on the plaster cast taken by Dr. Francesco Antommarchi shortly after Napoleon's death. The composition presents the mask in a solemn, frontal orientation, framed by a decorative border that incorporates imperial symbols, including the eagle and various heraldic motifs.
The rendering of the face is precise, capturing the stillness of the features with a focus on the anatomical structure of the brow, nose, and closed eyelids. The inclusion of the laurel wreath, a classical symbol of victory and authority, adds a layer of historical weight to the image. Below the mask, the artist has placed a sword and the insignia of the Legion of Honour, objects that reinforce the military identity of the subject. The word 'NAPOLEONE' is inscribed clearly at the base of the central panel, anchoring the figure within the history of the nineteenth century.
Calamatta’s technique demonstrates a mastery of line and tone, using the burin to create subtle gradations that suggest the texture of plaster and the soft shadows of the face. The surrounding border provides a structured, architectural frame, contrasting with the organic, quiet nature of the central portrait. This print serves as a record of the physical reality of a figure who dominated the political and military sphere of his era. It reflects the period's preoccupation with the tangible remains of historical figures, transforming a clinical medical cast into a formalised, commemorative image suitable for display. The work remains a primary example of nineteenth-century reproductive engraving, where the artist sought to translate the starkness of a death mask into a refined, artistic medium.
Return policy
Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
Shipping
We ship worldwide, printing at the production hub nearest to your delivery address. Delivery times and costs vary by destination — you'll see the options available to you at checkout.
Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Death Mask of Napoleon - Luigi Calamatta
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