The sun sets on the Chalençon empire with a Napoleon sale in contrast

All eyes were on Sotheby's on Wednesday, at 83 Faubourg-Saint-Honoré, for the high-risk sale of the "historical collection" of Pierre-Jean Chalençon, the man with Polnareff's mop of hair who calls himself "the Emperor." This sale marks the end of an empire for this Napoleon-madman, known to be deeply in debt, even though he once again escaped the auction of his Palais Vivienne. The proceeds, €8.7 million (plus fees), within the estimated range of €7 million to €10 million, generally met his expectations. Proof that his audacity paid off and that he wasn't seriously mistaken. Or, at least, he was fully aware of the facts.

The bicorne, a piece that always adds spice to a Napoleonic sale, remains the big question. Did Chalençon acquire it thinking it was real or fake? The market has decided. Potential buyers have inquired about this supposedly iconic piece, now downgraded in its attribution...