The Paris Traveler

Decorating with Napoleon

by Kim on April 23rd, 2008

 First off, I just have to say that I could not love this graphic more and would chop it all up and use it a million different ways in crazy collages or decoupaged on a pendent to create a necklace or bracelet charm.  Too much fun.  The guy is Napoleon and Musée des Arts décoratifs is honoring his influence on design with an exhibition: Symbols des pouvoirs sous l’Empire (Symbols of power under the Empire) now through October 5, 2008. 

As you may or may not know, Napoleon aligned himself with military heroes from ancient Rome and Greece, taking many of the symbols from those great civilizations and used them to legitimize his own empire. His military conquests can be accounted for in furnishings and decorative accessories that mimic trophies, arms and armor.  Creations during this time period were bold, colorful, substantial and certainly meant to shout power. The man left no stone unturned on the path to selling himself.  He would do well in todays world. 

250 objects have been pulled together (furniture, pieces of gold and silver plate, ceramics, textiles and wallpaper) embellished with among other things**:

•  The Bee:  Symbol of immortality, the bee was chosen to link  the  new dynasty to the origins of France.  
•  The Eagle:  Symbol from imperial Rome, was associated with  military victory from early antiquity.  The day after his  coronation in 1804, Napoleon had an eagle placed at the top of  the  shaft of  every flag in his army.
•  The Butterfly:  associated with the mythological figure Psyche  and  the Goddess of Spring, Flora–symbolizing the beginning. 
•  The Laurel Wreath:  used to adorn the heads of victorious  ancient  Roman warriors.
•  Swans:  There are 2 meanings–one which is femininity and  seduction and the other is the God Apollo.  A swan flew  overhead  the day the god of Love and Sun was born.

 His reign was not limited to flaunting his military power but also hints at the power of seduction (this is France after all!).  His love for his wife, Josephine, is well known and many of the objects reflect the private man and his personal relationships.   A wooden box where Josephine kept all the love letters he sent to her while on his military campaigns is just one of those special pieces showing his softer side.  

 Having studied interior design many years ago, I am fascinated by all of this as it was a style that I personally enjoyed working with and rendering because it screamed France to me.  If you look through wallpaper books or flip through decorating magazines, you will see so much of this period reflected in what’s being done today with perhaps a contemporary twist.  Like they say, everything old can be new again.

 One burning question for me:  with the Marie Antoinette exhibition at le Grand Palais and Napoleon at Musee des Arts décoratifs, do you think the two of them are sitting in the “former monarchs” portion of heaven arguing over who got the better venue? I can hear it now…”Marie, you crazy wench, they love me more!”  That’s one battle of egos I wouldn’t want to be around for.

**Great ideas for future tattoos! 

Additonal Information:  Musée des Arts décoratifs,  Napoleon.org

Photo credits:  Musée des Arts décoratifs 

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POSTED IN: Attractions, History & Information, Museums, Must See