The box is made entirely of gold (fig 5). The Egyptians had been the first to use gold extensively, as it was the only available metal at the time that would not oxidize (Fig. 6). It became a symbol of immortality and divinity. Was the golden box a reference to Napoleon’s imperial ambitions in Africa? Perhaps not, but it could certainly be read that way. Before he became emperor, Napoleon himself campaigned in Egypt and Syria. His actions highlighted France’s imperial ambitions and strife with the British. As emperor of France during its most imperialist period, Napoleon certainly would not have minded this association with the ancient pharaohs of Egypt.
