page_title: Flag of Elba
section_title: The golden bees
hierarchical_section_title: Flag of Elba / The golden bees
caption_attribution_description: English: Original copy of the flag of the Principality of Elba under Napoleon. Sold at Sotheby's for $85,000 in 2008.
context_page_description: The flag was used during the period of stay of Napoleon Bonaparte as sovereign of the island of Elba, from 4 May 1814 to 26 February 1815. The flag, donated by Napoleon on his arrival on the island, was hoisted on the highest point of Portoferraio on the day of the landing of the emperor on the island. The original flag is kept in the Napoleon residence, Palazzina dei Mulini in Portoferraio. The meaning of the insignia chosen by the Emperor has long been and continues to be, a matter of debate among historians.
context_section_description: Among the various hypotheses about the meaning of bees, one is that Napoleon wanted to symbolize the unity and hard work of Elba inhabitants. Another one, however, aroused greater foundation, attributes to Napoleon himself the explanation thereof. Speaking with Admiral Thomas Ussher, he said that he chosen the three bees because they represent the people of Elba that has had three rulers and now, with me, they are finally united under a single banner. The golden bees are, however, very often a symbol in the Napoleon iconography.
caption: A photograph of a flag made during Napoleon's reign on the island
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