When it comes to Napoleon Bonaparte, many first think of his outstanding talent in the political and military fields. In fact, he had an exceptional passion and a strong desire for exploration in art.
Napoleon’s reign is considered the golden age of innovation in European art and architecture. During this period, Napoleon created the “Empire Style” characterized by its rich personal touch, opulent luxury, and striking visual impact while renovating and redecorating the Tuileries Palace, the Palace of Saint-Cloud, and the Meudon Palace.
On July 9, the exhibition “Meet Napoleon: The Disappeared Palaces” was officially opened at Meet You Museum Shanghai in Jing’an District. The 81 exhibits all come from the three palaces that best represent Napoleon’s style—the Tuileries Palace, the Palace of Saint-Cloud, and the Meudon Palace—featuring national treasures that have survived, including furniture, tapestries, carpets, decorations, and paintings.
Under the 3D technology, these precious treasures, traveling from afar to Shanghai for the first time, will allow visitors to instantly “enter” the three French imperial palaces destroyed in a series of fires. This immersive experience will offer a richer and more dimensional understanding of Napoleon’s image and reveal another lesser-known aspect of his involvement in art.
As soon as you enter the exhibition hall, you will come across the most historically profound item on display: a charred half-length portrait of Napoleon. This artwork originates from the period of the First French Empire, featuring Napoleon wearing a laurel wreath symbolizing military victory, with the bee as the emblem of his empire. The prominent scorch marks and cracks on the statue seem to transport viewers back to that tumultuous era nearly 200 years ago, evoking the immortal legend of the Napoleonic Empire.
Another significant piece on display is the on-canvas oil painting “Napoleon I in His Coronation Robes”, specially loaned by the Fondation Napoleon. In the painting, Napoleon is depicted wearing coronation robes, adorned with a golden laurel wreath on his head, holding a scepter topped with a carved eagle, exuding a majestic demeanor. Standing in front of this magnificent masterpiece, visitors can directly feel the commanding presence of Napoleon.
Candlesticks bearing Napoleon’s name initials, “tapestry template—Asia”, wool and silk tapestries ... Through a series of precious cultural relics, divided into three sections, namely “Rise: Becoming Napoleon“, “The Unknown Facet: Protectors of Science and Art“, and “Representation: Napoleon’s Court Life“, another aspect of Napoleon is revealed. He was erudite, excelling in mathematics and astronomy, and harbored a deep passion for architecture, music, painting, and literature. Advocating for a plethora of artistic creations and encouraging artists to hold exhibitions, he promoted a revival in decorative arts. The Napoleonic era earned the moniker of the “golden age of French decorative arts”, leaving visitors with a profound sense of enrichment from their visit.
As one of the series of events commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, the exhibition “Meet Napoleon: The Disappeared Palaces” is supported by Art Exhibitions China and the Embassy of France in China, hosted by China Arts and Entertainment Group Ltd., and undertaken by Beijing’s Zhongyan Universal Art Production Co., Ltd., Beijing Zhongchuang Tourism & Culture Group, and Meet You Museum. The exhibits are sourced from the Mobilier National and the Fondation Napoleon.
“Meet Napoleon: The Disappeared Palaces” Exhibition
Date: July 9–October 7, 2024
Address: Meet You Museum Shanghai (Building 3, Jing’an Innovation Galaxy International Cultural and Creative Park, 210 Wenshui Road)
Tip: Before visiting, please follow the “Meet You Museum SH” WeChat account, and click on the menu bar [Reservation & Buying Ticket] — [Visiting Reservation] to make a reservation for entry.