My Napoleon Obsession

Napoleonland!

2012-01-24T08:56:00.001-05:00

French Theme Park

‘Napoleonland’

in the Works.

If this wasn't on Time's website I would

have thought this was an April fools joke.

On Behalf of Napoleon - I Object!

2011-12-22T17:20:00.000-05:00

There is a new pirate movie to look forward to next year.

It has a very funny preview in the theater's right now.

On the way out of the theatre I came across their larger than life display and what do I see in the corner?

Napoleon Blownapart.

I wonder if this is because there will be a Napoleon character in the movie.

Or is it because even in 2012...

Napoleon's name is larger than life?

Napoleon Quiz Post

2011-12-17T14:51:00.004-05:00

I get a number of emails every month asking me if I know about the history of a piece or where it could be researched. Sadly, I have no advice to give. But some of my readers might know! So here is an item that needs your help. Do you know anything about it?

From an egg collector!

With the little stand (it's attached) the entire piece is about 5"

tall. The egg has a big "N" painted on the side opposite of the portrait

of Napoleon. The egg inside the egg shaped "cage" appears to be

made out of wood and does come out of the cage.

(It has a small hole in it and rests on a small spike.)

It was purchased about 50 years ago from an antiques dealer in NYC.

If anyone has any information about this I am sure the collector would be thrilled! Leave a comment if you do!

Happy Coronation Day!

2011-12-02T17:29:00.002-05:00

"To be a king is to inherit old ideas and genealogy. I don't want to descend from anyone... The title of Emperor is greater..."

Here is something I just discovered online today about this coronation balloon.

The balloon of the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte, 2 December 1804.

An unmanned balloon, ablaze with 3,000 lights forming an Imperial crown was launched from the front of Notre Dame cathedral as part of the coronation celebrations. André-Jaçques Garnerin was paid the sum of 23,500 francs for the construction and launching of the large balloon. The balloon came to earth in Lake Bracciano near Rome 46 hours later. Napoleon considered this another omen of his destiny and suggested that the balloon be put on display in Rome with an account of the "extraordinary event".

A Fundraiser I Can Support!

2011-11-16T19:23:00.000-05:00

"France, 1804: Sophie Blanchard, a phobic young woman from the provinces, embarks on her first public balloon ascension with her husband, the pioneer aeronaut Jean-Pierre Blanchard.   When Jean-Pierre takes a fall, Sophie must quickly learn to fend for herself.  After a dramatic emergency landing, she creates a sensation with her desire to become the first professional female pilot. Jean-Pierre trains Sophie in the art of flight, but he suffers a fatal stroke and leaves her in dire straights.  Saved only by her skill and passion, Sophie embarks on a solo career as an aerial performer.  In these early years of flight, she quickly becomes an international celebrity for her daring hydrogen balloon ascensions.  Napoleon Bonaparte names her the Official Aeronaut of the Empire, to the chagrin of her competitors.  Even as the Empire crumbles, she rises to become the Official Aeronaut of the Restoration. After a dazzling career of fifteen years and 67 flights, Sophie will make the greatest sacrifice of all to stay in the air."

This would be a fabulous film to see! The director is a young woman who is raising the funds needed to finish it! Just watch the trailer! I have a link to the site to see it at the end of this post. I think a donation to this movie would be a great gift to receive (if you were wondering what to get me.)

Collection Leaves Australia

2011-10-03T21:54:00.000-04:00

A Napoleonic era ends as Liberal powerbroker Michael Kroger farewells his antique empire

Andrew Hornery

October 4, 2011

Michael Kroger before the auction in France with a portrait of a post-abdication Napoleon Bonaparte from the school of Delaroche. Photo: AFP

IT HAD been his passion since he was a boy, inspired by his mother's love of antiques, but after collecting a vast array of Napoleonic objets d'art and re-creating his very own ''imperial palace'' in South Yarra, Liberal Party powerbroker Michael Kroger is finally over his Napoleon complex.

At an auction in the shadow of the grand Chateau de Fontainebleau outside Paris yesterday, the Michael Kroger Collection, including imperial eagles, towering bronze candelabra, antique clocks, vases, paintings, chairs, sideboards, gilt mirrors and military paraphernalia, went under the hammer, raising more than $500,000 for the businessman.

The auction took place not far from where Napoleon Bonaparte bid a teary farewell to his empire nearly 200 years ago, after his abdication. But Mr Kroger's emotions were considerably less glum, especially with several lots earning well above the reserve and his new girlfriend, conservative commentator and former fellow ABC board member Janet Albrechtsen, offering support.

A clock in Levanto marble, with rich gilt and bronze decoration inspired by Jean de La Fontaine's fables and featuring animal characters such as the fox, stork and wolf, sold for €21,875 ($A30,265), nearly twice its reserve. A watercolour pennant design for Napoleon's 2nd Artillery sold for €38,750.

Mr Kroger's favourite item in the collection, a painting featuring a dejected-looking Napoleon, which was billed as one of the seven original copies of a post-abdication portrait by the school of Delaroche, made €38,750.

Mr Kroger declined to comment on the auction, but a spokeswoman for French auction house Osenat, which handled the sale, described it as a success and said ''Mr Kroger was very happy''.

She said the items were bought by private French and foreign collectors, and a large audience had been to see the exhibition and sale, its Australian collector considered a curiosity among the French.

In a 2009 interview with the Napoleon Society, conducted before he separated from wife Ann Peacock, whom he described as ''less than enthusiastic'' about the collection, Mr Kroger explained his interest in the historic figure.

''I found it extraordinary he was surrounded by such extraordinary brutality and yet at the same time was a man of such remarkable refinement and taste,'' he said.

''Whether you are a business leader or political leader, you need people around you who are prepared to tell you the truth.

''That's the great lesson for me from Napoleon's life. There were very few around him prepared to do that.''

Good News For Australia

2011-09-30T09:28:00.000-04:00

From napoleon.org

IN THIS WEEK'S LETTER...
... we have some exciting news for our Australian readers. Over the past couple of months, the Fondation Napoléon has been deep in negotiations with the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, and we can now announce that between June and October 2012, a large number of items from the Fondation Napoléon's collection will be figuring as part of the gallery's Winter Masterpiece show, "Napoleon: Revolution to Empire".

Napoleon Still Selling

2011-08-20T20:16:00.003-04:00

This sign was at a Whole Foods grocery store in Richmond Virginia.

Sent via cell phone tonight! Thank you Audrey and Sierra!

I love the sun glasses.

The Stuff Of Nightmares

2011-08-17T10:36:00.022-04:00

I have been having nightmares about the French revolution.

For my summer reading list I decided to find out what happened to Marie Antoinette's children.

Two children went into the tower with her.

Only one came out.

This is the child that is haunting me.

Louis XVII.

He was eight years old when he went into custody with his parents. After both his parents were killed he was literally bricked into a cell.
Alone.
Two years later he was dead.
How he died and at who's hands made me decide to put away my french history books for the rest of the summer. I can't even write what the autopsy discovered after the child died. It is horrific.

People always say you have to put history into context.

That the times were different.

Beliefs were different.

Sorry. I am not buying it.

There has never been a time in history where the systematic murder of a child would or should be acceptable. The children or Marie Antoinette and her husband King Louis paid a very high price for the French revolution. Their daughter survived the ordeal and managed to leave France. Her life story is very interesting. She knew all about Napoleon and it was clear he had no intention of allowing her to even visit France again as long as he was in power.

So I started to wonder.

Where was Napoleon when the children were still in the tower after the death of their parents?

Did he have any power? Did he know what they did to King Louis's child?

This is a portrait of Napoleon with all the children in his family. It is well documented that he loved children and that they loved him.

I have to hope that had he known he might have sent the army to help rescue the children.

So I am pausing this month

to remember

the orphaned child king of France.

One of the books I read this summer is "The Lost King of France." This book documents the greatest example of DNA mystery solving.

"A fascinating blend of royalist plots, palace intrigues and modern science, The Lost King of France is a moving and dramatic tale that interweaves a pivotal moment in France's history with a compelling detective story."

Happy Napoleon Day!

2011-08-15T08:24:00.001-04:00

What I'll be wearing to celebrate Napoleon's 242 birthday today!

I like to make my own heirlooms.

If you have any pictures of your festivities email them to me or leave a comment with a link!
Vive L'Empereur
Long live the Emperor

Have a great day!

Napoleon's Birthday Secret Sale!

2011-08-09T20:42:00.001-04:00

Would you love a Napoleon T-Shirt?

I got this message from Roxzann at Headline Shirts in San Francisco.

"I have been searching through various different blogs in order to find those that relate to our upcoming sale. On August 15th we will be celebrating Napoleon's birthday with a one day sale on our Napoleon Beach Cruiser tee. This sale is super exclusive and can only be accessed with a secret code that we are only giving out to bloggers."

Here are the details on the sale:

Date- August 15th

Tee: Napoleon Beach Cruiser

Price: $5 ($15 off "We're guillotine'n' the price")

Sale Code: 242BDAY

(Napoleon is turning 242, this code must be entered at check out in order to get the deal)

Length: One day- the code will only work on August 15th no sooner or later!

A Post About a Fabulous New book: Napoleon and The Rebel

2011-07-31T14:31:00.004-04:00

I have been avoiding writing this blog post.

I find myself in a little bit of a dilemma.

With a blog appropriately named "My Napoleon Obsession" I imagine most people will assume that I might not be able to enjoy any books that are not "pro the Emperor." That might be true. I've been known to shut a manuscript quickly that I believe to be anti Napoleon or historically inaccurate.

Then along comes a book about Lucien Bonaparte. A fascinating book. All I can say at this point is "had I read this book first this blog might have been named my Lucien Bonaparte Obsession."

Nooooooo. I know you can't believe it. Neither can I!!!

"Of all my siblings, he was the most gifted, the one who hurt me most."
-Napoleon

What Napoleon did to Lucien was very disappointing. Napoleon hounded his brother for years for marrying a woman he did not select. He was banned from France and his very life was at stake. Napoleon never acknowledged that it really was Lucien who made it possible for him to become First Consul. The details about the threats and the communications between them are carefully revealed in the letters that have been saved by Lucien's family archive.

Sure, a few of Napoleon's siblings may have been incompetent or greedy. Lucien was not. Napoleon's treatment of Lucien only reveals the extent to which he could carry a grudge. It makes Lucien's response to this treatment appear very noble.

I am continually amazed that Napoleon could make the time for all these family dramas. Managing world-wide domination should have kept him busy enough.

What made me sink my teeth into this book was the opening preface.

This book started with a painting. In the summer of 2005, a collector in New York acquired an unusual, erotic portrait of a couple, set in an artificially ancient room. The painter, a half black Frenchman called Guillaume Guillion Lethiere from the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, depicted a sensuous, curvaceous woman languidly lying on a chaise longue, her nakedness barely concealed by thin gauze, her pubic hair visible beneath it--surprising for a neoclassical work such as this. The man, dark and handsome, chin resting on right hand, is gravely but covetously contemplating this resting beauty; his feet, a satyr's profile looms in the left corner. The names of the two lovers are inscribed in Greek under the chaise longue: Alexandra and Lukiano.

It is because of the painting that the authors Marcello Simonetta and Noga Arikha began to investigate the life of Lucien Bonaparte. I am very glad that they did! The love story here rivals all the great ones! Napoleon and Josephine have fallen off the "great love story pedestal." No doubt they will creep their way back up...but for now and this summer, I'll be thinking about Lucien and Alexandrine.

Bob Has Done it Again!

2011-07-24T09:08:00.000-04:00

I always smile when I get an email from Bob! Either it prompts me that a Napoleon special date is coming up or he just has a link to share to something I like.

Napoleon's birthday is next month and he's preparing now!

Look at the M and M chocolate he's ordered! Who knew you could get personalized M and Ms!

I need to plan my Napoleon birthday celebration now.

More News About The Talisman!

2011-07-10T22:23:00.001-04:00

Randy keeps me posted on his updates about this amazing Talisman!

Carmi, I have deciphered a date on my sphinx piece! It is August 15, 1802. There was a huge celebration, with fireworks and everything, on this date in Paris. It was Napoleon's 33rd birthday as well as the one year anniversary of the signing of the Concordat (with the Pope), PLUS it was a celebration of Napoleon being named Consul for life! Thought you'd like to know!

I definitely would like to know! This is such a beautiful piece. Luckily I have no access to it or I would have made a mold of it for my other art projects!

Napoleon's Shoes Influence a Starbucks Donut

2011-07-05T23:12:00.000-04:00

This is a picture I took of Napoleon's shoes while visiting the museum at Fontainebleau.

This is a picture I took of my donut at Starbucks in Paris's 6th.

Coincidence?

Happy Birthday Josephine!

2011-06-24T14:18:00.000-04:00

Joséphine de Beauharnais

23 June 1763 – 29 May 1814) was the first wife of Napoléon Bonaparte, and thus the first Empress of the French.

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T08:10:00.001-04:00

Children loved him.

I believe they were the happiest part of his life.

Special Painting!

2011-06-16T11:10:00.000-04:00

With Father's Day just around the corner for all of us in North America I am happy to post this great painting! Justin in the UK sent me this picture

"On the attached pdf is a 6” by 3” oil on canvas that my father did for me.
He is a great artist!"

I agree! What a wonderful tribute to the Emperor and a great memento from a Father to a son!

Auction Results!

2011-06-06T09:55:00.000-04:00

NAPOLEON'S first English lessons while he was banished to exile on the South Atlantic island of Saint Helena fetched more than EU93,000 at auction.
Three lots of text in English and French, as well as drawings, by the fallen emperor had been valued EU7000 to EU9500, said the Osenat auction house in France.
Story linked here.

Another Napoleon Auction

2011-06-02T09:33:00.000-04:00

LONDON.- Sotheby's London announces that it will offer an exceptional Regency gilt-bronze, brass inlaid table, which is believed to have been commissioned by His Majesty’s Government, c.1815, for the drawing room of Napoleon Bonaparte’s home in exile on St Helena, Longwood House (estimated at £30,000-£50,000).

A REGENCY TABLE FROM NAPOLEON BONAPARTE’S HOME ON ST HELENA
The superb table from Napoleon’s home on St Helena was probably commissioned by His Majesty’s Government for the deposed Emperor’s place of exile. Attributed to the great English early 19th Century cabinetmaker George Bullock, it can be interpreted as a fascinating piece of design propaganda.

Henry House said: “This table and its association with Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the greatest figures in European History, represents an extraordinary commission by the British Government for the exiled Emperor. It wonderfully reflects a British notion of honour that was accorded a defeated foe - providing the very best for a great military figure who was essentially under house arrest. We have superb materials crafted into an object that represented cutting edge British design by an important designer, George Bullock. It captures not only these qualities, but a moment in British history and, perhaps, the national psyche of the time.”

An engraving held by the Musée National des Château de Malmaison et Bois Préau, shows the Emperor on his deathbed, with what appears to be the same table at the foot of his bed.**

Napoleon Doodles Up For Auction

2011-06-01T16:30:00.002-04:00

There is a huge auction this weekend in Paris.

Sunday, June 5th at 14h

THE EMPIRE IN FONTAINEBLEAU

These are some of Napoleon's papers from St. Helena. Doodles and learning English.

I think these would be an amazing addition to any Napoleon collection.

I would settle for this ceramic sculpture though. The cutest Napoleon ever!

Here is a link to the auction house.

Napoleon Quote

2011-05-19T23:02:00.002-04:00

"I start out by

believing the worst."

Something I have in common with the Emperor.

Whenever I think I have a great idea, I spend the first hour or day trying to figure out why the idea won't work. I think that makes me see all sides of a situation. I make plans, contingency plans and back out plans. So believing in the worst works for me. And clearly, it worked for Napoleon.

Bonaparte Entering Cairo

2011-05-15T10:49:00.002-04:00

Bonaparte Entering Cairo
Circa 1897
16 1/2" high
Signed "JL. Gerome," and inscribed "Siot-Decauville Fondeur Paris."

In this magnificent equestrian sculpture by the famed artist Jean-Léon Gérôme, the future emperor General Napoleon Bonaparte rides triumphantly upon the laurels of his Egyptian conquest.The sculptor deftly captures the young general's grand and determined spirit as he enters Cairo a hero. A stunning work in bronze and ivory, this sculpture is based on Gérôme's captivating bronze sculpture, which was exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1897, and subsequently bought by the French government for the Galerie du Luxembourg.

M.S.Rau Antiques linked here.

In case you would like it now, they have a convenient button to use:

Price: $198,500

French Exhibit In The US

2011-05-08T09:57:00.000-04:00

Some time in 2011 I hope to get to Philadelphia!

This exhibit looks amazing!

They have:

One of Empress Josephine’s stuffed Australian black swans, which she was the first to breed in captivity.
Les Roses, one volume of Pierre Joseph Redouté’s three-volume masterpiece on roses, including many of Josephine’s 250 varieties at Malmaison.

Here is a link to the APS museum.

May 5th - Napoleon's Death Remembered

2011-05-05T00:13:00.012-04:00

Another year has gone by.

I will think about Napoleon today. He died 190 years ago, yet he is still making an impact on the world.

I'll be wearing this bracelet today. I made it using a bookmark I picked up in Paris last month.

L'Arc de Triomphe

2011-05-02T22:39:00.000-04:00

My favorite paper find in Paris last month. L'Arc de Triomphe. 3D greeting card.

This is the company that creates these amazing designs.

Creating New Napoleon Imagery

2011-05-01T10:27:00.000-04:00

I have a good number of photos I took inside the Legion D'Honneur Musee in Paris. Right across the street from the Musee is another bigger art gallery; Musee D'Orsay. They have now banned the taking of any photographs and that makes me so mad. I am hoping all the other Paris galleries don't try to institute the same policy. Luckily I have been in both museums a number of times in the last few years and have taken quite a few photos that I'll be able to use for years to come.

I really love this statue of Napoleon as Premier Consul. It isn't in the best spot for a photographer though. There are doors behind it and it is difficult to photograph without some sort of background interference. It is placed in natural sunlight, so the "NO FLASH" rule is easy to respect.

I worked the image I had in photoshop and have something new I can enjoy. Even Napoleon's button looks more interesting in this new version of my picture!

teeshirtnapoleon.com

2011-04-10T16:04:00.002-04:00

Look what I found at the antique market north of Paris! Napoleon wearables!

Even paper bag merchandising!

The shirts look fantastic! This was just one of many designs I liked!

You can order tee shirts from their website!

The News From Cuba!

2011-04-08T09:14:00.003-04:00

Rare Napoleonic museum opens in Cuba
AFP
Napoleon Bonaparte goes on display in Cuba Friday with the reopening of the Napoleonic Museum of Havana, which boasts the largest collection of French revolutionary and imperial items outside of Europe.
Napoleon never set foot in Cuba but his physician, Corsican-born Francesco Antommarchi, who treated him during his last days in exile on Saint Helen, moved here after the emperor died in 1821, bringing with him the French icon's death mask.
The death mask is the centerpiece of the museum, which after a three-year renovation now includes some 8,000 French Revolutionary and Imperial artifacts and takes up four floors of an ornate Renaissance-style Havana palace.
The museum is "a contribution towards the study of an event of universal relevance that concerns many people, including those in Latin America," said Havana historian Eusebio Leal at the museum inauguration ceremony.
"This is not a monument glorifying conquest or the cult of militarism," he added.
The collection includes paintings, statues, clothing and weapons from the era, and a library of some 5,000 books relating to the period in French, Spanish and English.
It also includes a gold watch the descendents of Antommarchi gave President Raul Castro in the 1960s, at a time when Julio Lobo, a wealthy businessman and fervent Napoleon admirer, collected most of the items.
French ambassador Jean Mendelson was at the inaugural event along with Alix de Foresta, 84, the widow of a descendant of Napoleon's youngest brother Jerome.
The representative of the Bonapartes, who had visited Cuba in 1951 with her husband, was thrilled by the ceremony and donated a porcelain dinner service to the museum.
In his opening presentation historian Leal mentioned Francisco de Miranda and Simon Bolivar, South American leaders in the early 19th century wars of independence against Spain, who were strongly influenced by the French Revolution.
Miranda actively participated in the French Revolution, rising to the rank of general, and his name is engraved on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Belated Birthday Wishes

2011-03-25T08:58:00.002-04:00

Darn.

I did it again.

Forgot the Duke's birthday. Sorry, no fabulous blog post or celebrations this year. (Bob, no cake?)

However, if you are in Vienna next week (and I sure wish I was) there is a lecture you could attend:

"20 March, 1811 - the birth of the Roi de Rome.

An event with unforeseen political consequences."

The link to the lecture is here.

Bob Remembers The Anniversary!

2011-03-09T09:25:00.003-05:00

Bob has done it again! he reminded me of the importance of today's date!
It would have been a wedding anniversary day for Napoleon and Josephine...and Bob's coworkers are going to enjoy this cake today! Isn't the sign the best!
I can't decide if Bob like Napoleonic history or cake.....
He is the the Napoleon Cake Creator!

Napoleon Maxim

2011-02-27T09:55:00.002-05:00

Experience proves
that armies are
not always sufficient
to save a Nation;
while a Nation,
defended by its people
is ever invincible.

Napoleon Maxim

2011-02-05T21:04:00.003-05:00

Liberty
and
equality
are
magical
words.

Napoleon Meets The Flintstones

2011-01-10T16:14:00.001-05:00

This was just too funny to miss linking to.
I wish we knew who the anonymous artist was.

Napoleon's Coat Sleeve

2011-01-07T21:51:00.005-05:00

I have often said on this blog that I am very interested in the Napoleon details that may escape the attention of the war historians. I love to see and read about the everyday artifacts. This velvet sleeve really caught my eye. I am reading Napoleon: The Immortal Emperor and it is chock full of paintings and photos. This sleeve belonged to one of the coats Napoleon wore as First Consul. It was stained over the course of a dinner and Napoleon's tailor removed the sleeve from the jacket and stitched on a new one. The original coat disappeared in 1815. I don't know how they know that. Perhaps it was stolen from some sort of a collection...but the sleeve was saved.
This tiny snippet of information answers a few questions for me and also provides me with a little more insight into the life of Napoleon.

1. I always wondered how in the world people could wear velvet for huge long functions. It wrinkles and get's marked so easily. I know, I have a velvet skirt. If I sit wearing it the wrinkles on the back become permanent.....
2. Napoleon was indeed thrifty. Instead of throwing the jacket away or moving it to the back of his closet, he replaced just the sleeve.
3. Even a tailor knew that a sleeve from a jacket worn by Napoleon would be museum worthy someday in the future.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-22T10:12:00.000-05:00

Napoleon Recognition Programs

2010-12-08T22:59:00.007-05:00

"Another of Napoleon's innovations was to award to the hundred bravest men in his army damascened swords inscribed: Given on behalf of the executive Directory of the French Republic, by General Buonaparte to Citizen....

He also took special care to commemorate the fallen brave, ordering part of the Milan Catherdral Building Fund to be used for the construction of eight pyramids, to be inscribed with the names of fallen heroes, grouped according to demi-brigate."

Vincent Cronin

Can you imagine the lengths men would have gone to earn one of those swords? I wonder where all those swords are today. I must check the next time I go to Museum of the Armies of France.

The Trees of Paris - Thank Napoleon

2010-12-04T23:07:00.002-05:00

I often take picture of the cracks and patterns in the tree trunks I see in Paris.

I am certain that the car pollution is causing this.

But Paris is lucky to have so many trees in a major modern city.
We can thank Napoleon for that.

Within France between 1804 and 1813 Napoleon spent 277 million on roads, and to ensure that they were protected from the sun, in 1811 he initiated a law declaring that all roads "not planted with trees and capable of being, shall be palnted." More than any other royal decree or royal palace this simple law was to change the look of France. - Vincent Cronin

What To Get The Napoleon Buff For Christmas

2010-11-30T22:09:00.003-05:00

Having visited L'Hôtel national des Invalides several times I have accumulated a very small collection of souvenirs. Usually I buy something that is small, since walking with a huge block of plaster would be difficult for a day of touring Paris. I am certain that I do not want the death mask. Even the hand creeps me out. But the Josephine plaque really appeals to me. I would place it in a sunny location in our greenhouse.

Napoleon In Love

2010-11-21T19:27:00.000-05:00

“As for me,

to love you alone,

to make you happy,

to do nothing which would contradict your wishes,

this is my destiny

and the meaning of my life”

Napoleon Bonaparte

If You Really Love Napoleon You Would Get A Tattoo

2010-11-20T23:21:00.003-05:00

Check out blog reader Cesar's tattoo.
He said it took 2 -3 hours.
Who loves Napoleon the most now?

For The Glory

2010-11-15T23:12:00.003-05:00

Equality is the principle underlying Napoleon's tax system, his code of laws and his educational reforms. But equality, Napoleon believed, was in itself insufficient to bring out the best in people. Something more positive was needed than leveling down.
He was aware that in any society energy is generated by incentives.
In a commercial society the incentive is money.
But Napoleon had never been interested in money. If he took immense pains about a task or risked his life under enemy fire, he did so largely from a sense of honour.
France, he decided, was like him in that respect.
What Frenchmen valued was glory, a reputation for honour.
Well then, let that be the incentive.

From Vincent Cronin's Book: Napoleon Bonaparte An Intimate Biography.

Packing For War

2010-11-13T15:30:00.008-05:00

Recently I was reminded by a blog reader that one of the best books written about the Emperor is "Napoleon Bonaparte An Intimate Biography" by Vincent Cronin.
I agree. I love this book and took it off my shelf to reread immediately.
I have been reading a chapter or two each evening and quietly smiling about all the amazing "behind the scenes" details Vincent provides.
Many of us are more interested in THE MAN Napoleon. I am drawn to any stories about his day to day life. But this book provides answers to so many other questions I have.
This is a section I most enjoyed. It describes what the soldier in Napoleon's army wore/carried each day.

"At this time the basic French fighting man wore blue trousers and tunic, and a black leather cartridge-pouch containing thirty-five cartridges; attached to it was a leather purse for spare flints, a screwdriver and the tire-bales, a special pin for cleaning the aperture of the sighting-van on his musket, which tended to clog, and the rag for cleaning the working parts. On his back he carried a calfskin haversack containing - theoretically - spare boots, extra cartridges, bread or biscuit for four days, two shirts, a collar, a vest, a pair of pants, stockings, gaiters, a nightcap, brushes and a sleeping bag. Altogether, including musket, he carried a weight of 50 pounds."

How I love the detail! FIFTY POUNDS! That is a lot...never mind that they were half starved and climbing mountains!

A "What is this" Mystery

2010-10-20T08:13:00.003-04:00

Every now and then I get the most interesting pictures sent to me of a Napoleon themed item.

This one is a mystery to me and I wonder if anyone out there knows what it is?

My Mom and Dad were antique dealers in Philadelphia in the 1950's and when they died in the 90's my sister and I inherited all the inventory from their business. It's taken me 10 years to unpack and go over everything which is stored in a building on our property. One of the things I came across recently is a brass hanging piece of Napoleon. I think it might have been an oil lamp??? a planter?? It's a beautiful piece made in four separate parts and welded or soldered together. They consist of two deeply cast sides and two separately cast faces. The faces (Napoleon) are soldered on to the two sides and the sides are soldered together so that they form an open topped triangular shaped piece. It measures 6 inches across the open top and about 7 1/2 inches from the open top to the tapered bottom. Four hooks are soldered to the inside corners and have 4 six foot chains which hang from a decorative piece which must be meant to hang from a ceiling.

The Big Story - Ken's Auction Find Of the Decade!

2010-10-12T22:22:00.003-04:00

This is one of the most exciting emails I have ever received. I skimmed so fast to find out what happened that I had to start from the beginning twice to actually absorb the story. Here is the story from Ken in which he explains how he has come to own a piece of Napoleon's Italian throne chair! Thank you so much for sharing Ken!

I just thought I’d write and let you know about one of my recent discoveries, and it is a real discovery at that!!

I was ‘trawling’ though one of the many websites I search through for any mention of anything ‘Napoleonic’, (The web site has listing for auctions from all around the world); when I came a across a listing from a small auction house in New York that only said… ‘Napoleonic Embroidery’… but it had no picture showing what it was that they were selling or any other details, other than the starting price of $100.00 USD. As I was short of time I just noted the link and thought I’d try and look sometime later to see if I could find the actually company’s web site….

Well I forgot about it for a few days…. but then I came across my note, so I made a search to find the actually auction house web site….

I found their site and then did a search on ‘Napoleon’ and up popped a picture and information on the ‘Napoleonic Embroidery’ they were auctioning.

Well that’s when I just about had a heart attack!!....

The picture I was looking at on my laptop was of a large, round circle of crimson velvet, heavily embroidered with an Imperial Eagle and Crown, circled by a wreath of olive leaves, all inside a another circle of stylized acanthus leaves…

My eyes just about popped out of my head!! It just screamed at me…..

“Napoleon’s throne!!!” I have seen all of his thrones in France and this embroidery had the same look a feel to me….

Then a sudden bout of reality set in… “No way, it can’t be???… Surely not???”

But still, every time I looked at the images on my laptop I heard this voice saying… “Napoleon’s throne, Napoleon’s throne….”

The auction was in three days time!

My next thought was of my friend Bernard Chevallier, (ex director of Malmaison) I need to get in contact with him!!

So I sent off all the images from the auction web site to him by email, luckily there were pretty good quality, hoping he would get back to me quickly… But as he travels a lot I was a little worried that I may not hear from him before the auction in 3 days time!

1 day goes by… No reply…

2 days go by… No reply…

The day of the auction arrives and 12 hours before the absentee bidding is to close… Still no reply from Bernard…

The 12 hours are up, still no message from Bernard and I need to make a decision… do I bid? What amount do I bid?

I’m feeling confident on the one hand but worried on the other, as there were one or two things about the embroidery that niggled in the back of my mind… The eagle is a little naïve, and the crown is not quite the design of the Imperial crown. But I had to go with my gut feeling. So I placed a bid….

With the absentee bidding closed and 10 hours before the auction was to take place in New York, Bernard comes online via Skype; Up pops his video chat window…. And the first thing he said to me was…

“Ken…. your embroidery, it is fantastic, but it is not French!”

My heart sank…. I’d just wasted my money, I was wrong about the embroidery…it’s not Napoleonic!! ..… How could I be so wrong???!!

Bernard must have seen the look on my face….

“Ken… Ken…. The embroidery it is Italian!!” and he continued in his thick Parisian accent…. “I believe it has come from Napoleon’s throne in the Palazzo Reale in Milan!! The style is very early Empire, so it was probably on the throne when Napoleon was crowned Roi d’Italie!!” “WHERE IS THIS ITEM??!!”

My doubts all fly away at a million miles an hour!!

I then explain to Bernard about how I found the auction online and that there are no other bids recorded yet, so it is at $100.00 USD, and that the auction is due to take place in about 10 hours in New York.

Now it was his turn to have a heart attack! He is amazed that an item like this could appear at a small auction house in New York!!…

He then explains that the four thrones of Napoleon in France are all well documented but that the one in Milan was lost and not much is known about it after the fall of the Empire. I asked him why he believes it is from the Italian throne, and he says that just by sheer chance he has a friend staying with him who is an embroidery expert working at the Museum of Nimes and he took one look at the pictures I’d sent and said it was definitely done in the ‘Italian Style’ of high quality and early empire period. Hence Bernard’s belief that it could only have come from the Palazzo Reale throne!!

Well now all I had to do was sit back for 10 hours and wait for the auction to take place!.

It was the most nervous ten hours I think I have ever had!

The auction time arrived and I logged into the web site to see that they had registered some in-house absentee bids which had sent the price of the embroidery up from$100 to $1200 USD! But I was still the top bidder….but, does this mean someone else has a clue as to what it is??!!

All I could do now was to wait for the live bidding to start and see what happened… I still have a couple of hundred dollars leeway till it reached my maximum bid… but I was really worried that someone at who was at the actual live auction would have an idea about the embroidery and push it way past my top bid….

The auction time arrives, at 3.30am Sydney time, and I log on to the web site to watch it…

I am extremely nervous, but to my joy and surprise there were NO live floor bids so I won the embroidery!!!

8 days later it arrived at my office in Sydney… a friend had to help me take it home in a maxi cab as it was so heavy (it’s in a big gilt frame, glass etc).

I spent about an hour unwrapping it all as the auction house had done such a brilliant job in making sure it arrived safely.

And then there it was…..

STUPENDOUS was all I could say when it was finally revealed!!!

The detailing is just beautiful and is not captured at all in the pictures…

So now it hangs on my wall in pride of place!!

So how’s that for a find on the century!!... Sometimes I think I must have the luck of the Irish!!.... Which sounds a bit odd coming from a Kiwi, living in Australia!!

Anyways… I’m sure you’d like to actually see what it is that first made my eyes pop out of my head!!!...

Here’s the link to my web site with the pictures etc. The pictures really don’t do it justice!!

I think my biggest thrill out of all of this is the knowledge that this piece of history has now come back into the light again!

My best ‘Napoleonic’ wishes to you…

Cheers

Ken

Ken, with that much history in your very own house I imagine you will have amazing dreams! Congratulations!

I am dying with jealousy!

From a Bee to a Throne

2010-10-11T19:56:00.008-04:00

Our friend Ken has done it again!
In 2008 I reported that he had an actual bee from the Coronation robes.
Now he has something even bigger.
Better.
More amazing.
I am totally jealous.
He now has an embroidered panel from Napoleon's Italian throne.
Go there right now and look. Then come back tomorrow so I can share Ken's story with you about how he managed to purchase this amazing item!

Songs About The Emperor

2010-10-03T22:28:00.003-04:00

When I get really busy with my regular work my Napoleon blog has to be put on the back burner. That doesn't mean that I am not reading about the Emperor or reviewing other blogs and sites. And I have many friends who search for Napoleonic items on my behalf. So that keeps me busy too. This song sheet was given to me by my friend Nancy. How she found it I do not know, but it is a very haunting piece of music. (date unknown - L. Heath)

On a lone barren isle, where the wild roaring billows
As sail the stern rock, and the loud tempests rave,
The hero lies still, while the dew drooping willows,
Like fond weeping mourners lean over the grave.
The lightening may flash, and the loud thunders rattle,
He heeds not, he hears not, he's free from all pain;
He sleeps his last sleep, he has fought his last battle,
No sound can awake him to glory again,
no sound can awake him to glory again.

Napoleon Magnets!

2010-09-06T16:26:00.001-04:00

Today is a holiday for us in Canada. It is a great opportunity for me to make up all the Napoleon magnets I promised to mail! They'll be winging their way across the world tomorrow!

This Blog Inspires A Car Licence!

2010-08-18T22:35:00.004-04:00

This may be my proudest blog entry!
I have inspired someone to get a Napoleonic licence plate! I have no idea why I don't have one now. This is my note from Bob in Texas:

Hi Carmi!
I just got my new license plates for my new Smart Car; I was so inspired by your article on Vizir, the Emperor's horse, that I named my car after him! I'm sure he would approve of my choice in cars, it's efficient and does it's job well. Even my keyring is named after him!

How I am going to top this I do not know! Well done Bob!
Here is a link to the original blog post.

Happy Birthday Napoleon!

2010-08-15T00:01:00.001-04:00

If he popped by for coffee today I would be serving this great cake!

Here is a slice for you!
To all my blogging friends enjoy today and be sure to make a little toast to our Emperor!

One Day Until It's Napoleon Day!

2010-08-13T23:12:00.002-04:00

My new funny fridge magnet!
Would you like one?
In honour of Napoleon's birthday Sunday I will mail a magnet to anyone who emails me until midnight August 15th!
Just send me your name and address via my email: carmimail@aol.com!

A Blog Post With Corrections and Updates

2010-08-10T19:42:00.005-04:00

Oh boy. Big mistake. This is not a modern depiction of Napoleon and Josephine as I thought when I posted it a year ago! I have a new blog reader who nicely corrected me via email: Mabel wrote that they are actually Lady Hamilton and Lord Nelson. He's wearing his famous hat! Darn. Does anyone want this print now? I thought it was strange that there were cats and not dogs.....

Two years ago I was wondering who the lady was in this painting of Napoleon on Saint Helena.
Mabel knows! "You said you wanted to know who the lady was in that beautiful green painting of Santa Helena. Her name was Fanny Dillon, the devoted wife of general Bertrand, a very close friend of Napoleon."

This blog provides me with answers all the time.
Ask and someone will answer! Thank you!

Remember.
Get your cake orders in!
Napoleon's Birthday is this weekend! I am definitely having a cake and will post my picture here. If you send me your pictures I will post your celebrations too!

1949 Napoleon

2010-08-03T22:09:00.002-04:00

Major major find this weekend at the big outdoor antique market.
A huge stack of "Men Only" magazines. A word of caution though. Don't look them up in google unless you have a good filter on your computer. Men Only started out as a nice men's magazine with a few humorous nudie cartoons.....but it became a porn magazine franchise in the 70's.....yikes.
But let's look at my 1949 Napoleon!
A bit of a stereo-type I know...but the illustration work is fantastic! The other covers in the collection are also excellent...but they were of other known men like Henry the 8th, and we don't discuss "others" here. I was a little anxious that Waterloo might pop up in the stack since this was a British magazine.....

I have cleaned up the illustration. Lightened and brightened it! I am going to place him on a button next! Stay tuned!

Books I Do Not Own From Taschen

2010-07-24T08:36:00.005-04:00

While looking for something else online I came across the Taschen book: Stanley Kubrick's Napoleon: The Greatest Movie Never Made. It was a limited edition print of 1,000 copies for $1,500.00

"To write his original screenplay, Kubrick embarked on two years of intensive research; with the help of dozens of assistants and an Oxford Napoleon specialist, he amassed an unparalleled trove of research and preproduction material, including approximately 15,000 location scouting photographs and 17,000 slides of Napoleonic imagery. No stone was left unturned in Kubrick's nearly-obsessive quest to uncover every piece of information history had to offer about Napoleon. But alas, Kubrick’s movie was not destined to be: the film studios, first M.G.M. and then United Artists, decided such an undertaking was too risky at a time when historical epics were out of fashion."

I don't think I would have been interested in the script or the scouting of sets. What really caught by eye was that purchasers of the book get access to an online data-base of 17,000 Napoleonic images. This black and white image is the one freebie you can download. I am dying to know what else in in that library!

July 22

2010-07-22T16:30:00.002-04:00

Napoléon II
Napoléon François Joseph Charles Bonaparte Emperor of the French
Duke of Reichstadt
King of Rome

Born March 20, 1811
Died July 22, 1832

He was only 21.

(Thanks to Bob from Texas for reminding me!)

Question From A Reader

2010-07-21T17:38:00.003-04:00

I was watching a program about death masks on the History Channel today and wondered if the Napoleon Rusi mask was ever confirmed or debunked.
It appeared there were eyebrow and nose hairs on the mask and I thought, "Surely, there must be Napoleon DNA out there somewhere to compare."
Do you happen to know if the Rusi mask is authentic? How about any of the hair samples?

I did not have an answer to this question but did google it of course! I found this website and sent an email to the researcher. If I hear back I shall post it here!

Stunning Cameo Tiara

2010-07-16T07:50:00.005-04:00

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden married last month. The tiara really caught my eye.

The tiara is thought to be from Empress Josephine-Charlotte of France and it was a gift from Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. The Swedish family is connected to Napoleon through Josephine. It was one of the Josephine's grand daughters who married into this family establishing a very long line of royal blood. The cameo tiara is indeed stunning as is the bride who married a commoner.

Pictures From A Blog Reader

2010-06-25T16:31:00.005-04:00

I wish I worked at Bob's office. Bob is a regular reader of my blog.
This is the cake he brought to work to celebrate Josephine's birthday yesterday.
If he had not sent me the picture...I would have completely forgot to post about it!

This is the cake he brought to work May 5 to honor the anniversary of Napoleon's death.
The frosting looks delicious and I bet everyone was pretty hopped up on sugar after they had a piece.
I feel like I am really missing out and must think of a cake idea too. I am going to have one for Napoleon's birthday August 15th for sure!

It Is Amazing He Was Not Bald!

2010-05-31T09:05:00.009-04:00

There is another Napoleon collection and auction coming to our attention from New Zealand featuring some of Napoleon's hair. I have a link to the news report here.
More of Napoleon's hair! In this case, the sample looks so pretty in this circular compact. I start to wonder if the person who originally collected it went to a jeweler to have a container made...or if he put it into something he already had.

Napoleon sure did hand out a lot of locks of hair. I have mentioned this more than once on this blog. It is hard to understand in the 20th century when a desired memento from a dead loved one would probably be a piece of jewelry, a journal or clothing. The box above I photographed last month at the Fontainebleau Palace. Another lock of hair beautifully protected under glass.

One of Napoleon's Horses

2010-05-17T12:16:00.007-04:00

Call me squeamish, but I hate to see a stuffed horse
Even if it was a famous horse. It creeps me out. I start to wonder about the taxidermist and how in the world this whole horse got redone.

Last month at the newly opened Musee de L'armee in Paris I took a good long look at this horse. It did seem small. So small, I thought it was a pony. His name was Vazir. It doesn't look grey either, but that must be from time and storage. I had a hard time imagining Napoleon on this horse.

Vizir, one of the Emperor's favorites, this gray Arab was a gift from the Sultan of Turkey in 1805 and 10 years later Napoleon brought it with him to Saint-Helena. It now resides — stuffed — in the Musée de l'Armée in Paris.
Napoleon.org has a wonderful summation on Napoleon's horses linked here.

On one of his hind quarters I zeroed in on the branding. Ouch. It didn't look very nice. I hope it was done post death.

Someone is Obsessed with Wellington!

2010-05-10T09:26:00.003-04:00

Ah ha.
Our arch rival has found us.
A Wellington supporter! I did not think it was possible.
But in the interest of history I shall link to her blog too!

"I just found your website and I love it. You must be my counterpart, for my obsession is the Duke of Wellington. Here's a link to my blog - http://onelondonone.blogspot.com
SO glad to have found you - Kristine"

Napoleon Died on This Day

2010-05-05T09:50:00.000-04:00

I hope there are fresh flowers at the tomb today.

Haunted by The Roi De Rome

2010-04-24T08:43:00.003-04:00

I think the Roi De Rome is haunting me.

I have been reading and following up on his life for some months now. His image keeps appearing in the most unlikely places.

This is a pile of vintage photos I purchased a week ago at the outdoor antique market in the south of Paris. It was an amazing find and I posted about it today on my other blog too. Stuck amongst these photos was this card of Napoleon's son. An amazingly lucky find for me because I have never seen this card or this illustration of him before yesterday when I reviewed the pile.

Napoleon on his Imperial throne by Ingres

2010-04-22T15:33:00.000-04:00

One of the reasons I was happy about my trip timing this year was because of the re-opening of the Musee De L'Armee. I was really hoping to see the brand new rooms and the new exhibit which follows French wars from Louis XIV to Napoleon the 3rd. Naturally, I was heading to the middle section covering Napoleon the First. As I was weaving in and out of rooms I spotted this image down a long hallway.

A painter was painting a copy of Ingres's famous painting of Napoleon. It was like seeing double. It really is fantastic to see someone painting. It really makes you realize how hard and talented you have to be to be able to render fabrics and skin tones with paint.

She's doing an amazing job isn't she? Allow me to just say now that the new building exhibit is fantastic. There really is a lot to take in. Those of you who really study the wars, the costumes and armour need to set aside a day for this exhibit.

PS. Don't get too close to a painting. I set off a big alarm by leaning in a little too closely!

Napoleon on his Imperial throne by

Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres (1780–1867), painted 1806.

Back To The Tomb

2010-04-21T12:58:00.006-04:00

I went back today.

First, to pay my respects at the tomb of Napoleon.

But mainly to go back to see Napoleon the Second's resting place.

Back in March I did a lengthy post about Hitler's gift to France. He returned Napoleon's sons remains to France from Austria where they had been since his death. I couldn't understand how I missed this information while touring the main building housing Napoleon. I see now that Napoleon II is right here in this special alcove. Also in the alcove is an amazing statue of Napoleon his father.

His crypt is under this marble. Like his father, he had a pretty spectacular coffin, but it has not been seen in over 50 years. It was decided that burying it was the easier that trying to figure out how to display it.

From the alcove if you turn around you see Napoleon's crypt. In a way, they are together.
Better than being separated by a country I guess.

The Coronation Painting at Versailles

2010-04-21T02:11:00.004-04:00

Still in Paris. Happily stranded by the lack of planes.
So I added a day trip to Versailles which was not part of my regular schedule. The Palace was as busy as usual. In the Coronation room, there was no way to get a picture of the painting without people being in the way. I can never figure out if this room is full of admirers or because it has benches to sit on. As always, it was jammed with people all chatting loudly and taking photos.

My blog is full of references to this paining. I'll never be tired of it. The painting at Versailles is a second copy. The original is in the Louvre. The artist David painted this second copy and last year I found out there was a third copy too. What a prospect to make a copy. The people are almost life size as you can see from the real people walking by. Once I get home I'll have more time to review the photos I took in the other rooms that are Napoleon related.

I have had a few emails while I have been travelling.
A few people are wondering if I am a real person or not. Yes! I am just a regular woman from Canada who loves Napoleonic history. Here I am getting a photo in the museum. Looks like I have a few new readers! Welcome!

Napoleon's Son at The Fontainebleau Palace

2010-04-18T13:44:00.004-04:00

Hello friends. I was supposed to be flying back to Canada today. Then I would have several weeks of interesting post about my trip to Paris. But here I am....still in Paris. Like millions of other travellers grounded because of a volcano.

So I thought I would work on my posts today!

I went back to Fontainebleau for two reasons.

1. I missed the special side rooms featuring Napoleon's son. Argh. How did I miss this?

2. There is a special new exhibit of some prints I wanted to see. (more about them later)

So it begins with this famous painting of the baby Napoleon the 2nd: Le Roi De Rome by Gerard.

I was so happy to see this in person.

Then in the next room in a glass case his baby shoes! How pretty!

A charcoal sketch of the Roi de Rome! I could not figure out who sketched this but I am sure this must be an excellent likeness given that it was framed and kept. I research this a little more later.

One of the baby cribs. How over-embellished is this?

And finally one of the baby's books. This is a book and a game I do not know but it was in excellent condition.

The Abdication Table

2010-04-18T13:31:00.003-04:00

In 2008 I had a post about the table Napoleon signed his abdication documents on.

It was a difficult picture to take at the Fontainebleau Palace because the day I was there it was very busy. Last week I had the room to myself! So I made this tiny video to show you how lovely the whole room is!

2010-04-11T16:40:00.002-04:00

Found him! I am in Paris and spent the day at the big antique market north of the city.

Another amazing image of Napoleon's son. This one is really great because his head is finally in porportion to his body. He looks a little fragile though.

This image is a hand tinted page from a book and some of the other members of Napoleon's family were available in the same file. Jerome holds no interest for me but there were a few lovely pictures of Hortense. But Nappy Jr. is all I wanted.

I plan to visit his final resting place later this week.

My Blog Helped!

2010-04-09T13:18:00.002-04:00

The best thing about my blog is never knowing who I might hear from next.

I received the nicest email from someone new to me this week.

Alice wrote to me about a piece of jewelry she designed for a client that received a little inspiration from my post on Napoleon's bee.

The link to her story is right here. Thank you Alice!

Hitler's Gift To France

2010-03-22T23:13:00.008-04:00

Friends.

I went into a Napoleon slump.

Really. I finally read George Poisson's book: Hitler's Gift To France. I had very bad dreams the entire time I was reading it and now Hitler keeps popping into my subconscious. Never read a book with Hitler in the title before going to sleep. Lesson learned.

For those of you who may not know, and I was one of them, in the midst of World War II when Germany was occupying France, Hitler did something very strange. He returned to France the casket bearing the remains of Napoleon's son. It had been in Austria where Maria Louis went rather than going to Elba with her husband. It was the most sentimental crazy thing I have ever read about. As you may recall, it took 40 years to get Napoleon back to Paris after he died on St. Helena.

There are all sorts of opinions as to why Hitler did this. Perhaps to show the French how thoughtful a leader he was....or to permanently tie his name to Napoleon. Whatever his reason, it didn't go as planned. No one was happy about the gift. No one celebrated the return of Napoleon's son. And to be honest, to this day, it seems as though no one really cares. The gift was tainted.

But it was made. And how do you say thank you to Hitler?

100 years to the exact day Napoleon was returned to Paris.

Napoleon the Second came back to Paris to be buried along side his father.

December 15, 1940.

And that's where the story takes even more twists.

There was no room at the inn so to speak.

The casket came back, but they didn't know how to keep it in the same room with Napoleon. It was moved around the room and for the next 25+ years various committees tried to figure out where it should go.

In the 60's General de Gaulle finally made the decision.

His beautiful casket was buried off to the side and now there is just a small inscription on the floor which reads:

Napoleon II

Roe de Rome

18-11-1832.

That just killed me. I walked right over his grave never knowing he was there. I wasn't even able to take a good picture. But something made me snap this photo and now I know why. I thought the inscription was just embossing in the marble. I will return this April and pay my respects properly.

George Poisson sums up the story to beautifully that I will quote him in it's entirety.

"For a long time it was thought that the Aiglon would have a spectacular location within the Dome church, but in the end his memory was erased almost completely. Grief followed him throughout his life and even beyond, into death. Everything he attempted ended in failure: his short life denied him his throne and ended in exile, he died far from his homeland under a different name, his return to France came at the whim of the occupying enemy, even his tomb was all but forgotten by an indifferent public."

Something to think about:

"Along with the celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the French Empire, in 2011 we shall celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the heir to the imperial throne and for the occasion some improvements are being made. May we hope to see once more the beautiful casket of Napoleon's son?"

The Fifties Napoleon

2010-02-27T22:39:00.003-05:00

Yes, I know. Not very pretty. Clearly a Napoleon image knock off.

Worse still. It is a get well card from the 50's.

Unfortunately. I love this card. It made me smile.

Look how happy he looks on the reverse side of the card.

I collect vintage greeting cards and when I purchased this box I didn't realize that the last one I would look at would be Napoleonic. Napoleon always finds me.

Napoleon in Death

2010-02-26T17:39:00.003-05:00

I was reviewing the pictures I took in the Musee national de la Legion d'honneur in Paris last month and remembered that I wanted to look up this painter. I really don't know much about Horace Vernet but Wikapedia was very helpful: Vernet was born to Carle Vernet, another famous painter, who was himself a son of Claude Joseph Vernet. Fittingly, he was born in the Paris Louvre, while his parents were staying there during the French Revolution.

This was a small painting but I was captivated by it. I wonder how much it resembles Napoleon and how he looked on his death bed. I thought my little digital did a good job taking these two pictures too.

Napoleon Related Souvenirs

2010-02-14T15:38:00.003-05:00

Souvenirs that I like and that are Napoleon related are not that easy to come by.
I picked up this journal and metal token at the Musee de la Legion d'honneur. The medallion I can add to a piece of jewelery.
But the journal.
What to do?
Start of list of questions for my blog? A time line for posting? Or maybe doodle in it.
It is blank and waiting for me to write something inside it. It will have to stay that way for a little bit longer. Like a blank canvas, I am waiting for inspiration.

Talisman Update

2010-02-13T15:27:00.002-05:00

Earlier this week Randy Jensen sent me a copy of his paper: NAPOLEON’S TALISMAN. This is the introduction:

As a means of introducing this interesting and complex piece, l shall first present my conclusion; namely, that this sculpted and jeweled piece of artwork is a “talisman” or “good luck charm” as we might call it today. It was created by Napoleon Bonaparte, the famous Emperor of the French. Napoleon spent a considerable amount of time planning the intricate design of the jewels that compose the base of this sphinx. The jewels are arranged in a secret code that reflects Napoleon’s love for his wife, Josephine, and his successful military and political career.

The complete article is going to be published on the Napoleon Series website in the next few weeks so I placed a link to the side of my blog for you to check in there. The talisman in an unbelieveable peice. I had no idea that it had so much meaning and Randy "cracked the code." You have got to read the paper! It is another great example of how Napoleon thought about the special items he gave to family and friends. How he found the time I do not know!

Netherlands blog friends....you will be amazed!

Talisman Update!

2010-02-09T22:31:00.001-05:00

The mystery has been solved.
Randy Jensen sent me his paper on the Talisman.
I'll see how much of it he will let me post here!

We Have A Request For Help Or Information

2010-01-30T19:12:00.002-05:00

Can you help me with my quest to find more info in historical records on Napoleon's Talisman found in the Netherlands? I appreciate ANY assistance and also thanks for sharing this question with fellow Napoleon & Josephine fans! Princess KAA DOR

Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier Painting

2010-01-17T19:03:00.006-05:00

1814. Campagne de France (Napoleon and his staff returning from Soissons after the Battle of Laon), Presented at the 1864 Salon

I have been longing to see this painting in person. I had the opportunity to read about Meissonier two summers ago in a great book entitled: The Judgement of Paris. The author gave an amazing account of what went on behind the scenes in the Paris art world.

This painting is small. It might be two feet wide.

Meissonier was a legend for the amount of detail he put into his paintings. They took years to complete and he usually re-enacted the scene several times using live actors and horses. Even flour was used for the snow. Very very expensive techniques to create these tiny masterpieces.

There wasn't a soul near me as I moved in with my camera. The painting is hanging in a very quiet hallway in the Musee d'orsay. I might have missed it. But that hat always catches my eye.

More From the Musee National de la Legion d'honneur

2010-01-15T16:41:00.003-05:00

I saw this plaque from a distance and was immediately drawn to it. I have never seen a picture of it before and snapped these myself. It is called "The Regency of the King of Rome or Empress Maria Louise Guiding The First Steps of The King of Rome." It is porcelain which makes it very special. It was painted by Louis-Bertin Parant.

Napoleon presented this to his mother on New Year's Day 1814.

The scene depicts the Empress guiding The King of Rome towards the bust of his father Napoleon. His statue is is on a pedestal decorated with "winged victory."

Don't you love the bees in the frame?

Legion D'Honneur Museum

2010-01-13T14:44:00.007-05:00

Friends, I am in Paris.

My number one pick for a Napoleon place to visit was the Museum of The Legion of Honor. I have not had the chance to go on other trips and decided I would not miss it this trip.

The museum is actually a small compound. You have to walk around a small block so you don't miss anything. It is right beside the bigger Musee d'Orsay.

The days are very grey here in Paris. It is helpful when you take photos though. No glare!

I could not wait to go in. The museum doesn't open until 1pm. When I walked over I was very surprised to be ushered in by a gentleman standing at the front door. I was escorted to the coat check where I left my bag. I looked around for a ticket booth...and surprise it is free to visit! I wandered throughout the three floors on my own. I had the whole museum to myself for the most part. I was just thrilled to be there.

Here is the first thing I saw! I have many pictures to share in the next couple of days.

Here is just one of the spectacular framed collections.

I don't think I have ever had a more pleasant museum experience. The staff were so professional but nice! I felt very welcomed. I am definitely going back! It is now my favorite museum in Paris.

A Thought

2010-01-06T07:10:00.001-05:00

We must serve the people worthily,

and not occupy ourselves

in trying to please them.

The best way to gain their affections is to do them good.

Napoleon Maxim

New Year Maxim

2010-01-05T10:08:00.002-05:00

We walk faster when we walk alone.

Napoleon

Napoleon's Contributions to French Pastry

2009-12-28T11:30:00.006-05:00

If you are interested in Napoleon, you can learn something new everyday.
This fabulous looking dessert is a French favorite and I know that I we had similar "logs" when I was a child. We had a really nice bakery in the neighbourhood.
This is the classic "buche de noel" and it is an easy recipe to create because it does not require too much baking. It's mostly cream. They say the bakers of France came up with the idea because the use of fire burning chimneys during the winter was banned by Napoleon for health reasons. That doesn't explain how people kept warm....or how the cake part was made....but this is another item that is forever linked with Napoleon. A sweet memory.

Story Linked here.

Happy Holidays Friends

2009-12-24T11:33:00.000-05:00

Hitler and Napoleon

2009-12-22T19:02:00.000-05:00

This book will take about a month to get to me....I don't think it is a regular stock item in Canada. But I can't wait to read it! This action on the part of Hitler has always struck me as strange. Why did he return Napoleon's son's ashes. here is the Amazon description. I put a link to the side of my blog in case you want it too!

In the dead of the winter of 1940, Hitler decided to return from its burial
place in Vienna the ashes of Napoleon II, known as the "Aiglon," the only son of
the emperor Napoleon. The gesture was intended to win the support of the French
people, but only managed to precipitate a political crisis at Vichy, where
Marshal PÃctain ordered the pro-German Deputy Prime Minister Pierre Laval
arrested. Based on new research and previously unknown documents, the author,
historian Georges Poisson, at last sheds light on an incident most
historians-including Robert O. Paxton-have been at a loss to explain.

Living With The Icon

2009-12-21T18:50:00.001-05:00

I have wondered what it would be like to be a descendant of Napoleon. There are many still out there...perhaps even reading this blog and snickering at my comments.

That really hit home for me when I started to read the biography of Marie Bonaparte. Daughter of Roland Bonaparte who was one of Lucien's (Nap's brother) great grandchildren. Whew. Even I have to double check that I got that right. Born in 1882 she died in 1962.

Marie was an only child and an heiress. Her mother was in fact wealthier than Roland and was the reason she grew up spoiled, isolated and treated like a princess. Well, technically, her Dad was a Prince thus making her a princess....but in fact she married a Prince from Greece: George, making her an even bigger Princess. Are you following me? Let's just call her Princess Marie.

And let's again contemplate how many royal houses the Bonaparte's married into...and are still a part of today. This is a picture of Marie (right side) with her Dad and his mother. The mother was a pistol...too many stories for this one blog.

This portrait was taken in their home.

Yes, their home where this painting we see in the background is of Napoleon.

Can you imagine the pressure? This is your family. Try to live up to that legend.

Anyway...that takes me away from Marie.

The book had me struggling for a while. "Marie Bonaparte - A Life." It seemed like it was going to be yet another story about the sad little rich girl. Boo hoo. Don't you hate it when wealthy people can't figure out a way to be happy? Start a charity, volunteer your time, get a life. Oh, sorry, that's me. I would have a very good time giving the money away.

But then the book got very interesting.

Marie was a follower of Freud. She met him, was analysed by him and became a founder of the entire French Psychoanalytical Movement. Well done Marie! She published volumes and volumes of papers. But perhaps her finest hour was during World War II when she worked tirelessly behind the scene to get Freud and many other Jews out of Germany/Austria. She used her Greek Royal connections and her own money. In fact, she spent so much money that she ended up with financial worries in the end. Well. She had to close a few of the houses. She was still Greek Royalty.

Along the way there were famous love affairs and strange medical procedures.

But her life as a professional analyst will be what I remember about her the most. I wonder how her descendants are doing today? She would be their legend.

From Napoleon.org

2009-12-19T05:42:00.000-05:00

200 Years Ago Today

Divorce - A Letter To Josephine Four Days After the Official Annoucement

I received your letter, my dear. Savary tells me that you are always crying; this is not good. I hope that you have been out for a drive today. I sent you the kill from today's hunt [at the Plateau de Satory in Versailles, ed.]. I shall visit you as soon as you say that you in a more equable mood and have sorted yourself out. I am with my ministers for the whole day tomorrow. Adieu, my dear; I too am sad today; I need to know that you are content and that you have regained your self-composure. Sleep well."

[Letter from Napoleon to Josephine dated 19 December, 1809]

Napoleon Maxim

2009-12-17T21:05:00.001-05:00

Nothing goes well in a

political system in which

words are in

contradiction to facts.

A Cross Posting About Josephine

2009-11-24T22:17:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone.

I am a little busy at the moment. If you have noticed my other blog, I am a full time artist heading into the busiest week of my year. I am an artisan in the Toronto One of A Kind show...and it is a big event. I did want to show you one of my new book assemblages. Napoleon always comes with me to the show in some small way. This is my favorite image of Josephine.

I will never get tired of David's painting of the Coronation. Parts of it sneak into my work all the time. And so it should. It keeps Napoleon alive for me a little bit every day. I am also in the midst of a biography of Marie Bonaparte. Interesting to read about one of the descendants.

Now This Is Napoleon's Real Hair

2009-11-15T16:56:00.002-05:00

We had a story in a Canadian newspaper about Napoleon this weekend. (My hubby is my clipping service or I would have missed it.)

This lock of Napoleon's hair in a gold mourning ring was sold for $68,000 US dollars this week.

Napoleon gave this lock to the daughter of a British official. He really did love children.

She then passed it on to John Sloan. Somewhere along the way it was given away or sold again, but the John Sloan Museum just bought it back. The story is linked here. I love the ring! What a memento.

Napoleon's Love Story

2009-11-13T10:12:00.002-05:00

Clisson and Eugénie: A Love Story

By Napoleon

Okay. It is out. I am going to wait until it is available on Amazon in North America.

Here is a link to the full story.

Napoleon's Hair

2009-11-04T22:33:00.004-05:00

Okay.

I was watching this special card on Ebay.

It has one "authentic" piece of Napoleon's hair.

I was wondering if anyone would buy it....because really, Napoleon's hair is in short supply.

But someone did. They paid $132.50US.

They are going to need to spend a WHOLE lot more proving it is from our Emperor.

Another Napoleon Maxim

2009-11-02T09:32:00.001-05:00

Impossible is a word to be found

only in the dictionary of fools.

The Holey Flag

2009-10-30T17:29:00.007-04:00

It is holey alright. Bullet ridden is the actual description. Hehehehe.

I little pun about the condition of this flag. You won't be seeing the Union Jack on this blog again anytime soon. Shot up during the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar. This British flag flew on a captured French ship and survived to this day in a drawer belonging to the heirs of the officer who received the flag from his crew. It was sent to be auctioned earlier this year.

The auctioneers thought it would fetch about $15,000 Euros at auction.

Well it sold for $660,000 US dollars which is 40 times the estimate.

I post that information here for two reasons.

1. If Napoleon's name is attached to anything...prices skyrocket.

2. The man is still making news.

Napoleon and Hard Boiled Eggs

2009-10-28T22:03:00.002-04:00

This is an image I bet you weren't expecting.

But I can't stop thinking about hard boiled eggs.

I am reading about Napoleons surprise return to France from his first incarceration/resettlement on Elba. I am a bit disappointed to learn he didn't get a very friendly reception. But I am still at the point in the book where he is working his way inland to Paris.

Anyway, back to the eggs.

The only sustenance he is appearing to take is hard boiled eggs.

He was really worried about being poisoned and I forget that the egg is one of the few foods that you can eat that can't be tampered with. Well back then anyway. Nowadays you could insert poison with a teeny tiny needle...but they didn't have those options in Napoleons day...thank goodness!

So I am reading, craving hard boiled eggs and waiting for a point in the book to arrive where his troops start rallying around him. I'll keep you posted.

Napoleon Can Be Everywhere

2009-10-27T10:09:00.004-04:00

I am just back from an art workshop in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. I love travelling to the United States during the fall. The flights are all on time and the changing colours make most of my destinations a photographers dream.

I was having a coffee in a little cafe on Main Street on Sunday and looked up at this series of pictures. Do you see what I saw? I tried not to stare too long. There were too elderly gentleman sitting right below these pictures and I think they thought I was attempting to make eye contact.

I waited until they left so I could get in close.

Isn't this Josephine?

I am certain I have seen this litho somewhere.

Now I am home and bound and determined to find it. If you know the picture...please post!

All I was thinking was I never get away from Napoleon and Napoleonic imagery. Even in a small town like Cedarburg I see him.

Oh, and this is the hinged copper locket I made in one of the workshops. Note Napoleon is my inspiration as always. So he would have been in Cedarburg even if I had not seen Josephine.

The Not So Fascinating

2009-10-13T19:44:00.005-04:00

Friends.

I have been avoiding my Napoleon blog.

I have a good reason and a person to blame.

Madame de Stael. Or best use the full name. Germaine de Stael.

I got a copy of this book this summer. I was determined to learn more about the woman Napoleon exiled

You have to wonder. What did she do? Run an underground anti-Napoleon print shop? Did she write a pamphlet poking fun? Did she speak out at public rallies calling him a despot?

Looks to me like she hosted a whole lot of parties where other people in attendance may have done things like that. For the life of me, I am not sure how she could have been so important.

The book title say: The fascinating account of her conflict with Napoleon as related in her own memoirs. Trust me. Not so fascinating. In fact, I think the book was edited by her son to say almost nothing about Napoleon. Perhaps when he decided to publish it Napoleon was popular again.

I know what you are thinking. "She's biased. She won't like anyone Napoleon didn't." True. But this time I am with Napoleon. I would have exiled her for this boring memoir. Two thirds of the way through I put it down and picked up the memoirs of Catherine the Great. Now that's a great read! But I finished that book and faced with this one again I decided to admit defeat.

But back to Germaine. I am shutting the book whilst admitting there are 80 more pages to go...and there might be something big I am missing.

She does recount a conversation Napoleon apparently had with a senator.

"What do people think of the Duke d'Enghien's death?"
"General," he replied, "they are very upset."
"That does not surprise me, said Bonaparte. A family that
has ruled in a country for a long time is always the focus of interest."

So I am saying au revoir to Madame. Let's get back to Napoleon and family.

He's Still Got It

2009-10-02T17:47:00.003-04:00

This is a current ad for the watch company Breguet.

Apparently Napoleon was a client.

That is a receipt I would really like to see.

Marie Antoinette was a client too.

Fall Reading List

2009-09-12T19:56:00.000-04:00

My library is starting to overflow.

This is my new stack of fall Napoleon reading.

The summer went by so quickly. I immersed myself in books about wizards and vampires....but I am back to my usual book list. This pile is from my favorite old book store. They have access to someones Napoleonic library...each time I visit I see books I have never seen before. I am starting with Madame de Stael's Ten Years of Exile. I want to read what she thinks of Napoleon in her own words.

Napoleon Maxim

2009-09-10T08:36:00.001-04:00

Tragedy excites the soul,

and elevates the heart.

It ought to and should create heros.