Napoleon: a private view : treasures from the Bruno Ledoux collection

Abstract

A timeless symbol of power and ambition, Napoléon Bonaparte (1769-1821) spent decades expanding France's empire, enjoying magnificent success and suffering crushing defeats. Featuring more than 400 never-before-seen objects, Napoleon: A Private View allows a glimpse into the inner world of the French emperor. Over the course of 24 years, collector Bruno Ledoux amassed a remarkable range of manuscripts, books, gold jewelry, porcelains, miniatures, arms, and even historic souvenirs, all created in honor of Napoléon and the French empire.

Contents

Forword -- The last years of the monarchy, from Versailles to the temple prison, Paris -- The ascent to power -- The emperor-- The imperial household -- The empresses and the imperial family -- The king of Rome, a shattered dream -- Exile and the construction of a myth