Finding Napoleon at the Louvre was harder than I expected. After unsuccessfully searching their website, I wrote in advance for a list of Napoleon-related paintings: no response. I queried several agencies for a specialized guide: no luck. So, when we arrived, we headed straight for the Information Desk. Did I know about the Coronation painting …
Malmaison, the country mansion Josephine chose while Napoleon was on his Egypt campaign, provides my first glimpse into a personal residence. The couple lived here and in the Tuileries Palace in Paris from 1800 to 1802, while Napoleon was First Consul, his stepping stone to absolute French ruler. After their divorce, Josephine retired to Malmaison, …
Yesterday, we met with Professor Peter Hicks, historian and international director of the Fondation Napoléon, here in Paris. He generously gave me many suggestions for books and sources I might pursue, particularly about Napoleon’s youth. The Fondation maintains an extremely useful website at www.napoleon.org and Professor Hicks publishes their electronic newsletter. Both are available in …
