2023-12-19 16:52:03
SHOPPING – Riding on the buzz generated by the filmNapoleon, Charles Dacquay offers figurines of the Emperor in flashy colors. Napoleon in candy pink in Barbie fashion: it catches the eye! A way to reach a younger, more international clientele who likes to break the rules?
Since the release on our screens of the Hollywood production Napoleon by Ridley Scott, on November 22, criticisms are flying. The Allociné site gave it a passable rating of 2.3/5. “A film against Napoleon, the revolution, France… which contrasts with the treatment given to the British in the American cinematographic environment. can we read among numerous opinions. Historians like Patrice Gueniffey or Thierry Lentz (director of the Napoléon Foundation) are exasperated by the numerous historical inaccuracies. The director of Blade Runner, Gladiator, more recently House of Gucci, and many other successes, is furious at the poor reception given to his film by the French press. In short, there is a hell of a buzz around Napoleon Bonaparte at the moment.
A happy synchronicity
It’s a happy synchronicity for Charles Dacquay. This 34-year-old French entrepreneur created his start-up last October Napoleon World with the ambition of selling figurines of the bust of Napoleon throughout the world.
“At Napoléon World, we are a team passionate about the audacity and the epic that was that of the little corporal! He was an outstanding leader, otherwise thousands of men would not have followed him on the battlefield to the point of putting their lives in danger. explains by way of introduction Charles Dacquay, a fervent admirer of the Emperor since the age of nine.
A pop-up (or ephemeral store) was opened at 15, Galerie Vivienne in Paris, for a week, at the end of November, to present the explosive collection of figurines. But the small business is not well established. And he has to sell the busts of Napoleon online from his website.
There is already a plethora of offerings on the figurine market in museums, antique dealers, caricature dealers… So how can you stand out?
“We have the classic version of the imperial bust with Napoleon and his laurel wreath, in patinated bronze or white marble. But what differentiates us is a pop collection, lighter, a little provocative, with the candy, fluorescent or metallic bust which allows us to reach young people who love the character. underlines Charles Dacquay.
In fact, there is a choice of 14 colors, some of which are very flashy.
And Napoleon in candy pink, Barbie style, that’s quite eye-catching! A way to also reach a more feminine clientele? Will the Americans and Chinese like it? For once, the Disney group seems to have missed a great opportunity.
The “pop bust”, inspired by a sculpture of Napoleon I by Antoine Denis Chaudet (1763-1810), represents Napoleon in his uniform as a colonel of the cavaliers of the Imperial Guard. Not a detail is forgotten: the hand slipped into the jacket, the medals and, of course, his legendary cocked hat!
Each piece is unique. It’s true artisanal work.
For this, Charles Dacquay called on Benjamin Zerbib, a former member of the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres. “I work by hand the facial features, the bicorne or the laurel wreath, all the accessories, in order to faithfully recreate the appearance of ancient busts”, explains the young sculptor who works in a workshop based in Compiègne. Of made in France guaranteed. The flagship pop product in durable resin is sold from 59 euros. Three different sizes are offered. A revolutionary gift idea for Christmas?
Rehabilitating the greatness of Napoleon
Through his small business, Charles Dacquay wishes to rehabilitate the image and greatness of Napoleon. He fully assumes his choice: “Whether or not we adhere to his policies, to the person or to what he represents, Napoleon remains, like Caesar, Alexander or Genghis Khan, a man who marked his era. We cannot make moral judgments with our current glasses on actions that took place 200 years ago. It’s shockingly stupid.”
There it is, it is said: the thirty-year-old is not a defender of cancel culture (in French, culture of erasure). “We must stop erasing from history books the great figures whose journey we consider reprehensible. What will remain of the history of our civilization? In France, we lack influencers who oppose the cancel culture. And yet there are many who disagree.”
Napoleon in Bitcoin version
“Elected officials have ordered our figurines in blue, white and red,” likes to highlight Charles Dacquay, proud to see “his” bust of Napoleon entering town halls, libraries, schools…
You had to dare: there is a Bitcoin Napoleon, a bright orange figurine.
This limited edition is particularly intended for cryptocurrency enthusiasts… and those who really like to break the codes.
The Emperor, adorned with his iconic bicorne, is represented with an enormous chain around his neck and a cigar. A sort of godfather of modern finance!
But would Charles Dacquay be making fun of the great man with these different new and provocative versions?
He denies it: “By diverting the image of Napoleon, we invite reflection on our current economic system. Bonaparte deserves the greatest respect. He notably instituted the Civil Code, created the gold franc, the Bank of France and reaffirmed the right to private property. This right is currently being called into question with the proposed Lagleize law. Today in France we lack a Napoleon to ensure the defense of our national interests!”
So these figurines are not that innocent! They could well fuel debates around the Christmas tree.
*Corine Moriou is an independent journalist and major reporter.
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