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Sideshow Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte reviewed
This review was first seen at the Sideshow Collectibles website

It is perhaps fitting that Sideshow Collectibles opted the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, one of history’s greatest military leaders, as the first of its 1/4 scale military category. This category - generally defined as 1/4 scale or 1:4 scale, because of the average height of the figures approximating one quarter the height of an average human - has quickly expanded with figures from Sideshow’s latest movie licenses: Star Wars, Marvel, T2, Universal Monsters, James Bond and the like.

The Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte 1/4 scale figure is perhaps Sideshow’s tribute to a man who, within a space of 19 years went from obscure artillery officer in 1785 to being proclaimed Emperor of France in 1804. Bonaparte,”The Little Corporal”, was born in Corsica on August 15th, 1769; the second of eight children in a family of minor class nobility. Enrolled in the military academy at Brienne, he later transferred to the Ecole Militaire de Paris, the military avademy of Paris. Bonaparte excelled in mathematics and science and graduated as an artillery officer. The start of his military career saw the outbreak of the French Revolution which created an atmosphere of opportunity which the young artillery officer was not slow to realise.

Bonaparte’s tactical skill, instinct, insights, determination and good fortune saw him toppling governments and changing European society from the plains of Eastern Europe to the Iberian Penisula. His genius lay in making the right decisions at the right time and in deploying his forces in the most effective way. “Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action has arrived, stop thinking and go in” Bonaparte advised. And yet, he proved to be an equally skilled statesman, remodelling France’s economy and administration when made Consul for Life and effective sovereign of the nation. Bonaparte introduced numerous social reforms, laying the foundations of the French legal, educational and financial systems. In 1804, his growing popularity led to him being proclaimed Emperor of France, an unlikely figure to lead his country for he spoke French with a thick Corsican accent.

Sparked off by the French Revolution, the Napoleanic wars were fought during a period of numerous conflicts between European nations; when centuries of rivalry and aggression saw the need to satisfy ambition and expand borders under the name of Nationalism. Thus, for over 20 years from 1793 to 1815, Bonaparte led his army in almost continual campaigning, facing a wide range of enemies determined to destroy the upstart nation that dared to overthrow the old monarchy.

His soldiers were fiercely loyal to him, willing to fight to the death for their commander and for France. Bonaparte knew what made an efficient army tick, soldiers had to be moulded, instilled morale and given a goal to achieve. In the early stage of his military career, upon being appointed to command the improverished, demoralised Army of Italy, Bonaparte inspired the soldiers with the promise of “honour, glory and riches”. Being true to his words led these rag-tag soldiers to become soldiers of Bonaparte, utterly loyal and proud to serve him.

What drove such a man to stir the emotions?

We might never know, but perhaps the answer lies somewhere within a quote by Bonaparte himself; “Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever”.

The Review

If one has been collecting 1/6th scale figures, then collecting 1/4th scale figures requires a paradigm shift in thinking. Firstly, while the figure is visually large (obviously so), the packaging is even more so! The box carton measured 2 feet in length and comprised of a beautiful full colour, copper hot foil stamped presentation set with photographs and editorial write-up. This was printed on a box-like carded sleeve fitted over a black coloured single lidded box. Opening the black box (a circular quality control label proudly meets the eye) reveals a sarcophagus-like polyfoam container containing the tissue wrapped figure, sword accessory and base within. No nasty “twistie” wires here, I am glad to say.

The second paradigm shift is the minimal articulation - in the case of Bonaparte, virtually none. Unlike 1/6th scale articulated figures which can be dressed and undressed as dolls, these are presented in a selected and determined posture. The closest example that I can relate this is to that of a museum quality statuette commissioned for a museum collection. And in many cases, it is; from the set pose, figure and fabric construction and blending of multi-medium - polystone, plastics, fabric, plastics. This then entails that one only sees what is meant to be seen, that which is not visible, does not necessarily need to exist in form. The reason for this approach is to allow a better fall and realistic fit of 1:1 fabric over the 1:4 figure, thus dispensing with the doll-like bulkiness of the clothing often seen in 1/6th scale figures.

Bonaparte is attired in his modest plain dark green Chasseur-Cheval Regiment single breasted surtout with scarlet collar, turnbacks, piping and copper coloured buttons, tautly fitted over a white waistcoat, fitting white breeches and black knee high boots and spurs, complemented by medals, medallions and the red sash - Le Grands Cordon de la Legion d’Honneur. The extent of the uniform ends at the shoulders, there are no fabric sleeves beneath the sleeves of the greatcoat, however the form of epaulettes can be discerned on account of the upper part of the shoulders being sculptured in the form of epaulettes. Securely, and it would appear, permanently, fitted over his polystone head is the distinctive hat flocked in black with a cockade in the form of a red/green rosette sculptured on the top left. Another distinctive attire of Bonaparte is the grey greatcoat, nicely stitched and put together, although coming albeit with faux pockets. If this figure is non-articulated, then the greatcoat perhaps makes up for that by having wire-inserted seams at the bottom, allowing a variety of creative fabric “movement”.

Actually, after giving the matter further thought, this reviewer is of the opinion that Bonaparte does not need any articulation at all, for he is captured in his most famous “hand-in-the-waistcoat” pose, Bonaparte’s inimitable trademark. Feet astride, polystone left fist clenched while the right is slotted in his waistcoat, the Emperor is depicted in that classic pose staring ahead, deliberating as the battle unfolds before him. Interestingly, a gamut of reasons have been presented and postulated as to why Bonaparte is traditionally depicted with his hand in his waistcoat. It would appear that this particular pose appeared with relentless frequency during the 18th century, used so often by portraitists that it became almost a clichéd pose of gentlemen in portrait painting. In fact, in 1738, a publication titled “A Book of Genteel Behavior” by Francois Nivelon, described the “hand-in-the-waistcoat” pose as signifying “manly boldness tempered with modesty”.

The polystone headsculpt is by sculptor Andy Bergholtz. This is beautifully sculptured and painted. I liked the way the 18th century wispy hairstyle is captured, sculptured at the sides of the head and the steely eyes with their look of determination.

If there are three things that I felt could be improved, it would be to glaze the pupils a trifle bit more, have Napoleanic embossed coat buttons rather than plain buttons and to not make the sword and scabbard a one piece affair. For collectors forking out US$225 for this limited edition run of 1000 figures, a beautiful 1/4th scale sword would perhaps offer a little extra value for money. Besides, swords are expected to be removable from their scabbards.

Sideshow’s Napoleon Bonaparte is easily pegged, by a metal rod from the bottom of the right foot, to a beautiful oval multi-medium base, painted in a marble finish and emblazoned with a metallic plate bearing the Emperor’s name. The black underside of the base bears the signature of the sculptor and the limited edition number of the set.

This is indeed an excellent and fine limited edition museum-quality reproduction. From the manner it was conceptualised, designed, fabricated and presented, it is a top rate effort from all involved in this manifestation of one of the greatest military genius the world has ever known.

I rate this a 9 out of 10.



		Sideshow Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte reviewed This review was first seen at the Sideshow Collectibles website

		It is perhaps fitting that Sideshow Collectibles opted the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, one of history’s greatest military leaders, as the first of its 1/4 scale military category. This category - generally defined as 1/4 scale or 1:4 scale, because of the average height of the figures approximating one quarter the height of an average human - has quickly expanded with figures from Sideshow’s latest movie licenses: Star Wars, Marvel, T2, Universal Monsters, James Bond and the like. The Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte 1/4 scale figure is perhaps Sideshow’s tribute to a man who, within a space of 19 years went from obscure artillery officer in 1785 to being proclaimed Emperor of France in 1804. Bonaparte,”The Little Corporal”, was born in Corsica on August 15th, 1769; the second of eight children in a family of minor class nobility. Enrolled in the military academy at Brienne, he later transferred to the Ecole Militaire de Paris, the military avademy of Paris. Bonaparte excelled in mathematics and science and graduated as an artillery officer. The start of his military career saw the outbreak of the French Revolution which created an atmosphere of opportunity which the young artillery officer was not slow to realise. Bonaparte’s tactical skill, instinct, insights, determination and good fortune saw him toppling governments and changing European society from the plains of Eastern Europe to the Iberian Penisula. His genius lay in making the right decisions at the right time and in deploying his forces in the most effective way. “Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action has arrived, stop thinking and go in” Bonaparte advised. And yet, he proved to be an equally skilled statesman, remodelling France’s economy and administration when made Consul for Life and effective sovereign of the nation. Bonaparte introduced numerous social reforms, laying the foundations of the French legal, educational and financial systems. In 1804, his growing popularity led to him being proclaimed Emperor of France, an unlikely figure to lead his country for he spoke French with a thick Corsican accent. Sparked off by the French Revolution, the Napoleanic wars were fought during a period of numerous conflicts between European nations; when centuries of rivalry and aggression saw the need to satisfy ambition and expand borders under the name of Nationalism. Thus, for over 20 years from 1793 to 1815, Bonaparte led his army in almost continual campaigning, facing a wide range of enemies determined to destroy the upstart nation that dared to overthrow the old monarchy. His soldiers were fiercely loyal to him, willing to fight to the death for their commander and for France. Bonaparte knew what made an efficient army tick, soldiers had to be moulded, instilled morale and given a goal to achieve. In the early stage of his military career, upon being appointed to command the improverished, demoralised Army of Italy, Bonaparte inspired the soldiers with the promise of “honour, glory and riches”. Being true to his words led these rag-tag soldiers to become soldiers of Bonaparte, utterly loyal and proud to serve him. What drove such a man to stir the emotions? We might never know, but perhaps the answer lies somewhere within a quote by Bonaparte himself; “Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever”.			The Review If one has been collecting 1/6th scale figures, then collecting 1/4th scale figures requires a paradigm shift in thinking. Firstly, while the figure is visually large (obviously so), the packaging is even more so! The box carton measured 2 feet in length and comprised of a beautiful full colour, copper hot foil stamped presentation set with photographs and editorial write-up. This was printed on a box-like carded sleeve fitted over a black coloured single lidded box. Opening the black box (a circular quality control label proudly meets the eye) reveals a sarcophagus-like polyfoam container containing the tissue wrapped figure, sword accessory and base within. No nasty “twistie” wires here, I am glad to say. The second paradigm shift is the minimal articulation - in the case of Bonaparte, virtually none. Unlike 1/6th scale articulated figures which can be dressed and undressed as dolls, these are presented in a selected and determined posture. The closest example that I can relate this is to that of a museum quality statuette commissioned for a museum collection. And in many cases, it is; from the set pose, figure and fabric construction and blending of multi-medium - polystone, plastics, fabric, plastics. This then entails that one only sees what is meant to be seen, that which is not visible, does not necessarily need to exist in form. The reason for this approach is to allow a better fall and realistic fit of 1:1 fabric over the 1:4 figure, thus dispensing with the doll-like bulkiness of the clothing often seen in 1/6th scale figures. Bonaparte is attired in his modest plain dark green Chasseur-Cheval Regiment single breasted surtout with scarlet collar, turnbacks, piping and copper coloured buttons, tautly fitted over a white waistcoat, fitting white breeches and black knee high boots and spurs, complemented by medals, medallions and the red sash - Le Grands Cordon de la Legion d’Honneur. The extent of the uniform ends at the shoulders, there are no fabric sleeves beneath the sleeves of the greatcoat, however the form of epaulettes can be discerned on account of the upper part of the shoulders being sculptured in the form of epaulettes. Securely, and it would appear, permanently, fitted over his polystone head is the distinctive hat flocked in black with a cockade in the form of a red/green rosette sculptured on the top left. Another distinctive attire of Bonaparte is the grey greatcoat, nicely stitched and put together, although coming albeit with faux pockets. If this figure is non-articulated, then the greatcoat perhaps makes up for that by having wire-inserted seams at the bottom, allowing a variety of creative fabric “movement”. Actually, after giving the matter further thought, this reviewer is of the opinion that Bonaparte does not need any articulation at all, for he is captured in his most famous “hand-in-the-waistcoat” pose, Bonaparte’s inimitable trademark. Feet astride, polystone left fist clenched while the right is slotted in his waistcoat, the Emperor is depicted in that classic pose staring ahead, deliberating as the battle unfolds before him. Interestingly, a gamut of reasons have been presented and postulated as to why Bonaparte is traditionally depicted with his hand in his waistcoat. It would appear that this particular pose appeared with relentless frequency during the 18th century, used so often by portraitists that it became almost a clichéd pose of gentlemen in portrait painting. In fact, in 1738, a publication titled “A Book of Genteel Behavior” by Francois Nivelon, described the “hand-in-the-waistcoat” pose as signifying “manly boldness tempered with modesty”. The polystone headsculpt is by sculptor Andy Bergholtz. This is beautifully sculptured and painted. I liked the way the 18th century wispy hairstyle is captured, sculptured at the sides of the head and the steely eyes with their look of determination. If there are three things that I felt could be improved, it would be to glaze the pupils a trifle bit more, have Napoleanic embossed coat buttons rather than plain buttons and to not make the sword and scabbard a one piece affair. For collectors forking out US$225 for this limited edition run of 1000 figures, a beautiful 1/4th scale sword would perhaps offer a little extra value for money. Besides, swords are expected to be removable from their scabbards. Sideshow’s Napoleon Bonaparte is easily pegged, by a metal rod from the bottom of the right foot, to a beautiful oval multi-medium base, painted in a marble finish and emblazoned with a metallic plate bearing the Emperor’s name. The black underside of the base bears the signature of the sculptor and the limited edition number of the set. This is indeed an excellent and fine limited edition museum-quality reproduction. From the manner it was conceptualised, designed, fabricated and presented, it is a top rate effort from all involved in this manifestation of one of the greatest military genius the world has ever known. I rate this a 9 out of 10.