Bicorne worn by Napoleon I. (1769–1821), with cockade (1813-1815) by Hatter PoupartGerman Historical Museum
Hats come in many shapes and sizes. Yet some have a distinct style that dates them to a specific time and place. Occasionally, there are hats that are intrinsically linked to one person in history. And this is certainly the case with this iconic bicorne hat with red, white and blue rosette. But can you name its owner?
The Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries (1812) by Jacques-Louis DavidNational Gallery of Art, Washington DC
That’s right. It’s Napoleon Bonaparte.
Few people have had a greater impact on history than Napoleon Bonaparte. Born in 1769 on the island of Corsica into a modest family descended from minor Italian nobility, he rose through the ranks of the French military during the French Revolution. He eventually assumed control of both the army and later the whole of France, declaring himself Emperor in 1804.
Declaration of victory after the Battle of Leipzig on 18 October 1813 (1839) by Johann Peter KrafftGerman Historical Museum
Napoleon’s success was built on his unique gift for military strategy, with his role as a commander still studied in military academies around the world today. Despite introducing liberal reforms to many of the territories and countries he conquered, he remains one of the most controversial figures in history.
Consolidating his victories over the Holy Roman Empire at the Battle of Austerlitz, he took his armies deep into Eastern Europe, defeating the Russians at Friedland in 1807. By this time his Empire covered much of the continent. He installed modern ideas such as those of property rights, equality before the law, religious tolerance and secular education.
Napoleon at the Great St. Bernard (1801) by Jaques-Louis DavidBelvedere
How did Napoleon lose his hat?
However, he was also stretching himself very thin. In 1812 he suffered a catastrophic loss against the Russians after underestimating the severity of the Russian winter. On the retreat across Europe, the knockout blow for his empire came at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 against a coalition of British, Dutch and Prussian forces. And this is where our iconic bicorne hat enters the story.
This style of hat was a favourite of Napoleon and has come to define his image in the public imagination. He would have his hatter make up a dozen or so new models each year, always carrying several spares with him into battle. After the defeat at Waterloo, Prussian major Heinrich Eugen Freiherr von Keller was able to capture one of these spares left behind during the retreat.
Napoleon Crossing the Alps (1850) by Paul DelarocheWalker Art Gallery, Liverpool
As Napoleon went into exile on Elba, the hat returned to Berlin with von Keller as a souvenir of one of the greatest military victories in history. It wasn't the end for Napoleon or his hats, however. He was able to escape and make a return to France where he governed for a period known as the Hundred Days before his own people turned against him. He surrendered to the British and was exiled once more to the island of Saint Helena.
Tap to explore
Can you find the famous bicorne hat?
The hat, created by Hatter Poupart, is thought to have been made between 1813 and 1815. Today you can find it in the Museum of German History. Why not have a look around and see if you can find it?
Napoleon Bonaparte Emperor 1769-1798 Campaigns Russia SpainLIFE Photo Collection
Want to learn more?
You can find out more about Napoleon's incredible rise to power here.
