TALLEYRAND, CHARLES-MAURICE DE (1754–1838) Letter signed ‘Ch. Mau. Talleyrand’ in his capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs, addressed to the French chargé d’affaires to the Republic of Valais, Joseph Eschassériaux. Milan, 7 Prairial Year XIII [May 27, 1805].

7 p. 1/4 folio on on 2 stitched double sheets. Handwritten signature ‘Ch. Mau. Talleyrand.’ Half-leather binding, brown leather spine, gold-tooled title label on spine. Modern slipcase in the style of the era. Certificate of authenticity. A detailed description of the Coronation of Napoleon I as King of Italy. This text, glorifying the authority of Napoleon I and emphasizing the religious and political significance of the coronation, was sent to diplomats across Europe so they could accurately report on the event. France, a Key Player in Italian History during the Revolution and the Empire. Following the victories of 1796–1797, a period of decline, and then the new victories in 1800–1801, France exercised direct or indirect control over much of Italy, even annexing certain territories. The Cispadane and Transpadane Republics, proclaimed by Bonaparte in 1796, were united in 1797 into the Italian Republic, encompassing Lombardy, Novarese, Valtellina, Veronese, Emilia (excluding Parma and Piacenza), Romagna, Massa, and Carrara. It was this Republic—of which Napoleon was already president — that he transformed into the Kingdom of Italy, to his own advantage, crowning himself on March 17, 1805. The letter also announces the creation of the Order of the Iron Crown. Joseph Eschassériaux (1753-1824) was a French politician of the revolutionary period. He enthusiastically supported the Coup of 18 Brumaire and became a member of the Tribunate, where he served for seven years. In 1806, Napoleon appointed him chargé d’affaires to the Republic of Valais. In 1810, he was granted the title of Baron of the Empire. He supported the Hundred Days regime and subsequently lived in exile until 1819. Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord (1754–1838) was a French statesman and diplomat who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs under three regimes, from the Directory to the government of Louis-Philippe.