Napoleon in Paris

Finding Napoleon’s “Ashes” in Paris 179 Years Ago

May 30, 2020
The Retour des Cendres of Napoleon I on December 15, 1840 in Paris, by Jacques Guiaud (1811-1876), from Chateau de Versailles

France After Napoleon’s Death: Even after Napoleon Bonaparte died in 1821, he still threatened the kings of Europe. By declaring himself an emperor, Napoleon had undermined the hereditary “divine right of kings.” Worse, he installed liberal, secular constitutions throughout Europe. And everywhere, Napoleon spread the French Revolution’s concept of “merit over birthright.” So Louis XVIII …

Finding Napoleon’s “Ashes” in Paris 179 Years Ago Read More »

Not Finding Much Napoleon at the Louvre

July 19, 2020
Jacques-Louis David's Coronation of Napoleon

Finding Napoleon at the Louvre was harder than I expected.  After unsuccessfully searching their website, I wrote in advance for a list of Napoleon-related paintings: no response.  I queried several agencies for a specialized guide: no luck.  So, when we arrived, we headed straight for the Information Desk.  Did I know about the Coronation painting …

Not Finding Much Napoleon at the Louvre Read More »