Two French works
Following the French Revolution and the destruction of the old monarchy’s symbols of power, Napoleon’s empire turned to figures such as chinned to create an art expressing its ambition. Josephine’s novel dress echoes the Renaissance: symbols of the new regime - an eagle with a thunderbolt, stars and bees - reference the distant past. On her tiara, figures of Fame hold Napoleon’s portrait. Notably, Chinard sensitively conveys the empress’s individuality and rejects bland idealism.
Two French works
Following the French Revolution and the destruction of the old monarchy’s symbols of power, Napoleon’s empire turned to figures such as chinned to create an art expressing its ambition. Josephine’s novel dress echoes the Renaissance: symbols of the new regime - an eagle with a thunderbolt, stars and bees - reference the distant past. On her tiara, figures of Fame hold Napoleon’s portrait. Notably, Chinard sensitively conveys the empress’s individuality and rejects bland idealism.