Napoleon: Power and Splendor
Napoleon: Power and Splendor marks the first exploration of the majesty and the artistic, political and ideological significance of Napoleon’s imperial court from Napoleon’s self-appointment as First Consul in 1799 to his abdication in 1814. The Imperial Household was a key institution during Napoleon’s reign. It was responsible for the daily lives of the Imperial family and the day-to-day existence of former general Bonaparte, who became Emperor Napoleon.
The exhibition aims to re-create the ambiance and capture the spirit that prevailed in the French court during the Empire. A selection of works, most of which have never before been exhibited in North America, will reveal the power and splendor of the Imperial Household and its role in fashioning a monarchic identity for the new emperor, his family and loyal entourage.
Learn more about Napoleon and his influence with our Napoleon: Power and Splendor Library Guide. Visit the Spencer Art Reference Library in the Bloch Building to browse a display of these titles and for more information.
Images: Andrea Appiani, Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul, in the Uniform of a General in the Army of Italy, 1801. Oil on canvas, 99 x 80.8 cm. Prêt d’une collection particulière, Montréal. Photo MBAM, Christine Guest. Baron François-Pascal-Simon Gérard, Napoleon in state attire, 1805. Oil on canvas, 240 x 155 cm. Château de Fontainebleau, Musée Napoléon 1er, © RMN-Grand Palais / Art Resource, NY.
Napoleon: Power and Splendor is organized, produced and circulated by The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts with the participation of Château de Fontainebleau and the exceptional support of Mobilier national de France, in collaboration with The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
In Kansas City the exhibition is supported by Adelaide Ward; Shirley Bush Helzberg; Linda Woodsmall DeBruce and Paul DeBruce; G. Kenneth and Ann Baum; Karbank Holdings LLC; John and Marny Sherman; Arvin Gottlieb Charitable Foundation; The Bergman Family: Brad and Libby, Bart and Joanie; Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation; Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation; Dick Belger and Evelyn Craft Belger; Barton P. & Mary D. Cohen Charitable Trust; Nancy and Rick Green; R.C. Kemper, Jr. Charitable Trust, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee; Sara and Bill Morgan; Estelle and Morton Sosland/Sosland Foundation; Thomas and Sally Wood Foundation; Linda Lighton and Lynn Adkins; Atterbury Family Foundation; Dr. Steven St. Peter and François Bardonnet; The Robert and Dr. Phyllis Bernstein Family Foundation; Barbara and Peter Gattermeir; Peter G. Goulet; Hartley Family Foundation; JE Dunn Construction; Liz and Greg Maday; Ford and Christine Mauer; Karen L. Christiansen; Christy and Bill Gautreaux; Peggy and Bill Lyons; McCownGordon Construction; Susan and Kevin McGreevy; R. Lyman and Sally Ott; Kent Sunderland; and Bill and Marilyn Taylor. (As of October 18, 2018)
