Napoleonic Giltwood Eagle Standard

Description

An early 19th century French Napoleonic carved giltwood Imperial eagle, possibly from a parade standard, with spread wings and standing on a twisted cord and retaining much original gilding.  While most of the regimental standards were made of gilt copper,  this one is not, probably indicating this was not carried into battle, but served a ceremonial or even decorative purpose.  Napoleon, in creating an empire, borrowed much of the symbolism from the Roman Empire, and the Legions of the Roman Army carried eagle standards into battle.  It was an honor to carry the standard (hence the term standard bearer) and they were protected at great sacrifice
Napoleon personally presented many the standards to the Imperial regiments of the army, as depicted in The Distribution of the Eagle Standards  by Jacques-Louis David, 1810.  (last photo)