Panorama de 15 lithographies figurant le cortège funéraire ou Retour des cendres de l'Empereur Napoléon Ier

A very rare first edition of 15 lithographed views in bistre tint, mounted in an accordion pleat, forming a panorama of 6.75 ft and showing the Parisian procession of the return of Napoleon's mortal remains (his "ashes" used here as a metaphor since he was not cremated). The parade started from the Arc de Triomphe to his resting place in Invalides. In the lower margin, the caption presents the different groups forming the procession: Ajaccio delegation, Paris Municipal Council, Prince of Joinville Commission of Saint-Helena...in the centre of the panorama stands the spectacular funeral car. Without mention of the publisher, this impressive document was undoubtedly printed by Aubert, famous publisher of Parisian panoramas published during the same era and also illustrated by Adrien Provost.
Publisher's half cloth black Bradel binding, goffered silk boards framed with double gilt fillets, the first with the gilt title “convoi de l'Empereur” stamped in the centre.
“In the distance is seen, in the mist and the sunlight, against the grey and russet background of the trees in the Champs-élysées, beyond the great white phantom-like statues, a kind of golden mountain slowly moving. All that can be distinguished of it as yet is a sort of luminous glistening, which makes now stars, now lightening sparkle over the whole surface of the car. A mighty roar follows this apparition. It would seem as though this car draws after it the acclamation of the whole city, as a torch draws after it its smoke. (Victor Hugo, Choses Vues, “15 décembre 1840. Funérailles de l'Empereur. Notes prises sur place.”)