Suit
Clothes for Men
Inventory number
2019.4.29.12ac.CM.SU.C1875.FR
Description
Three pieces woolen cloth black suit costume including a tailcoat, waistcoat and trousers. Ancient property of Xavier UHLMANN (1828-1904), servant of the Imperial Prince Louis-Napoleon BONAPARTE.
Xavier UHLMANN (1828-1904) entered the service of Napoleon III in 1857, first as an usher in the Emperor's cabinet, then as a footman, before being attached to the heir of the throne, the Imperial Prince. Promoted to the Imperial Prince's personal valet until his death in 1879, killed by Zulu warriors at the age of twenty-three. He remained faithful to the Prince by becoming his exile companion in England, and was the only person the Prince accepted to accompany him on the (last) trip to South Africa. He will then be treasurer of the Empress Eugenie and manager of the imperial estate of Farnborough Hill until his own death.
His own wardrobe and that of the Prince Imperial was kept in the family home of Meistratzheim.
Materials
Wool
Silk
Linen
Origin
circa 1875
France
Exhibitions History
• 2019.7.14 - 2019.8.31 - "Resort elegance - Vichy 1852-1870", Palais des congrès, Vichy, France
• 2019.8.30 - 2019.10.6 - "Invitation to the ball", Château de Querrieu, Querrieu, France
• 2021.04.19–2021.10.30. ‘The Crinoline Lady (1850–1869). From Alexandre Vassiliev foundation collection.’ Silute Hugo Sheu Museum (Hugo Sheu Manor), Silutė, Lithuania.