31/10/2026
Object Focus 🔍 Napoleon’s Death Mask
To coincide with Halloween celebrations and the last week of ‘The Rossettis: Siblings and Spouses’ exhibition, our object focus is this plaster death mask of Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France (1769-1821), formerly owned by Pre-Raphaelite artist and poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
Napoleon was a figure that fascinated the Rossetti family, including Gabriele, Dante’s father, who wrote a poem entitled ‘Napoleon at Saint Helena’, a short extract of which is:
‘Gaze upon what a prince I am, Ocean,
Feared in war like the thunder’s crashing roar,
Who, taking and giving the throne, drove score
After score of kings to oblivion...’
The mask was recorded as being made by Dr Francesco Carlo Antommarchi. There was however a struggle to find plaster on the remote island of Saint Helena. But they prevailed, and the original cast taken at Napoleon’s postmortem was then used to make 4 bronze masks and numerous plaster masks.
Death masks have been made throughout history in many cultures as a way of honouring the dead. The Victorians saw the masks as a way to preserve someone’s legacy after death, and they were of great scientific interest when studying the human skull.
Long after his death, the demand for copies of Napoleon’s death mask continued to build, as fascination with the former Emperor grew.
This mask was donated to Wightwick’s collection in 1974 because the Manders had, and Lady Mander was continuing to, amass a collection of Rossetti art and artefacts.
🖼️ It is currently on show in the Oak Room as part of the exhibition display exploring the older Dante Gabriel Rossetti - his art, poetry, personal objects, furniture, and props.
🌟 ‘The Rossetti’s: Siblings and Spouses’ exhibition ends Monday 9th November 2026. So visit while you still can!
National Trust Research National Trust Midlands
