Ingres, Granet et la reine de Naples

Abstract

Of the youngest sister of Napoleon Bonaparte, Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples from 1808 to 1815, historiography often painted a portrait of seductress or of success. However, her short reign was also that of a skillful strategist, holding for a time the reins of the state, and a protector of the arts, letters and sciences who spread an undisputed artistic taste. With her sisters-in-law, the Empress Josephine and Queen Hortense, Caroline Murat took an early interest in history painting. With Francois-Marius Granet as well as Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, she helped to make them known in the southern capital. From Granet, she collected a considerable number of paintings of interior and history and commissioned Ingres many works including one of the most famous nudes of the nineteenth century: the Grande Odalisque (Louvre Museum). The relations between the Queen of Naples and Granet are explored here and give the opportunity to present a series of unpublished drawings of the Neapolitan residence of the painter in 1811 as well as paintings painted for the Queen. The last part unveils the mystery of the Sleeper of Naples and the command of the Great Odalisque.--Translation by Price Minister.