Exhibit: Treasures of Napoleon
Through Sunday, August 3
> official website
Treasures of NAPOLEON offers visitors a remarkable opportunity to see beyond the myth of Napoleon Bonaparte to gain an understanding of this complex figure as a man. The exhibition showcases more than 250 extraordinary artifacts and works of art, including one of Napoleons iconic hats, the sword that proclaimed him Emperor in the coronation ceremony at Notre Dame, his personal map of the French Empire in 1812, and his signet ring with the imperial monogram rendered in diamonds. Other intimate items include the cutlery and plates that he used at the Battle of Waterloo, locks of his own and Empress Josphines hair, and the first will he wrote during his final exile on the desolate Island of Saint Helena. Of particular importance to New Orleans, as the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer, the exhibition also includes the valise that brought to Napoleon the signed Louisiana Purchase documents from America. The exhibition also includes paintings, sketches and sculpture by some of the greatest artists of the time including Gros, Grard, Delaroche, David, Canova, and Houdon.
Treasures of NAPOLEON is amassed from the incredible collection of First Empire authority and author, Pierre-Jean Chalenon. The exhibitions tour is the first time the Chalenon Collection will have been seen in North America and the first time a number of the items on display will have ever been seen by the general public.
"The pieces in the exhibition have been elected not only for their great beauty and rarity, but also because they allow us to see into the heart of this extraordinary man." - Pierre-Jean Chalenon
