Origins and History
Napoleon's original death mask was created on May 7, 1821, a day and a half after Napoleon Bonaparte died on the island of St. Helena at age 51. Surrounding his deathbed were doctors from France and the UK.
During the time of Napoleon, it was customary to cast a death mask or mould of a great leader who had recently died. A mixture of wax or plaster was carefully placed over Napoleon's face and removed after the form had hardened. From this impression, subsequent copies were cast.
Read more about this topic: Napoleon's Death Mask
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