French diplomat and advisor to Napoleon; exiled after Waterloo, Maret returned to France in 1834 to assume the post of prime minister. Manuscript DS in French, signed “H. B. Maret,” one page, 8.25 x 12, November 15, 1804. Invitation to Napoleon Bonaparte's coronation as Emperor of the French on December 2, 1804 (11 Frimaire XIII), bearing a secretarial signature of Napoleon, with Maret signing as secretary of state below. In part (translated): "Mr. Lapierre, President of the Electoral College of the 4th district of Le Vigan, department of Gard, the divine providence and the constitutions of the Empire having placed the hereditary imperial dignity in our family, we have chosen the 11th day of Frimaire [2d December 1804] for the ceremony of our consecration and coronation. We would have loved to be able, in this majestic circumstance, to gather in one single place all the citizens of the French Nation. As it is impossible to do what would have been so precious to our heart, we want the ceremonies to be glorious through the presence of the most distinguished citizens in order to take, in their presence, the oath to the French people, in accordance with the Article 52 of the Constitutions act from the 28th Floreal year 12. We are writing to you this letter for you to come to Paris, around the 7th of Frimaire and to let our Great Master of Ceremonies know about your arrival." In fine condition.
On May 4, 1804, Napoleon received the title of 'Emperor of the French,' which was then confirmed by the vote of French people: 99.9% in favor of the Empire. To make it an historic and symbolic moment, Napoleon decided to organize a ceremony at Notre-Dame in the presence of 12,000 guests, including Pope Pius VII, who would bless the new Emperor. Napoleon, though, refused to be crowned by the Pope and decided to crown himself. He crowned Josephine as well: this moment is represented in Jacques Louis David's large painting 'Le Sacre de Napoléon.' The coronation lasted for five hours and is regarded as one of the most ostentatious ceremonies of the 19th century, contributing much to Napoleon's legend.
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