In Memoriam

I win the battles, Josephine wins me the hearts

                                                          Napoleon 

On May 29, 1814, Empress Josephine died at her beloved Château de Malmaison. Renowned for her elegance, charm, and generosity, she had a far-reaching impact on the arts and styles of the Empire.  More recently, historians have begun to acknowledge her contributions to Napoleon's rise to power and the extent of her political influence during his reign.

On the bicentennial of her death, we celebrate the memory of this remarkable woman who survived some of the darkest moments in French history to captivate Napoleon and be crowned by his hand as Empress of the French. She performed her role flawlessly, winning over opponents with her astute political sense and superb social skills. Her patronage of the arts and esthetic choices made her the most prominent tastemaker of her age and set the tone for the Empire. Divorced over her inability to conceive an heir, she remained popular with the French people and was universally mourned when she died, even by Napoleon's enemies.

Vive l'impératrice!