Description
Book Synopsis: 'Taking without taste, without choice, is ignorance and near vandalism.' — The French Directory to Napoleon Bonaparte, 1796
Napoleon’s Plunder chronicles one of the most spectacular art appropriation campaigns in history and, in doing so, sheds new light on the complex origins of what was once called the Musée Napoléon, now known as the Louvre.
In 1796, four years after the founding of the First French Republic and only two days after his marriage to Josephine de Beauharnais, Napoleon Bonaparte left Paris to take command of his first campaign in Italy, aged only twenty-six. One year later, Napoleon’s army was in Venice and his commissioners were determining which great Renaissance artworks to bring back to France. Among the paintings the French chose was The Wedding Feast at Cana by Paolo Veronese, a vast masterpiece that had hung in the refectory of San Giorgio Maggiore since it was painted in 1563.
Once pulled from the wall, the Venetian canvas crossed the Mediterranean packed among paintings commandeered from Venice and made its way by river and canal to Paris where Napoleon gathered his spoils of war – treasures from the cities of Rome, Milan, and later Berlin and Vienna. In 1801, the Veronese was placed on triumphant display in the Louvre, the former palace of the French kings, which had been transformed into a public museum that ostensibly belonged to the French people, but which also functioned as a monument to Napoleon’s power.
Saltzman interweaves the stories of Napoleon’s military campaigns, uncovering the treaties through which he obtained his loot, with the histories of the plundered works themselves, exploring how these masterpieces came into being. As much as a story of military might, this is an account of one of the most ambitious cultural projects ever conducted.
Details
Discover the captivating story of Napoleon's Plunder and the Theft of Veronese's Feast in this engrossing hardback book. Uncover the secrets behind one of the most remarkable art appropriation campaigns in history, shining new light on the origins of the world-renowned Louvre. Don't miss out on the opportunity to immerse yourself in this fascinating narrative.
Join author Saltzman as he takes you on a journey through history, starting from Napoleon Bonaparte's command of his first campaign in Italy at the young age of twenty-six. Experience the thrill of the conquest of Venice and the decision making behind the selection of great Renaissance artworks to be brought back to France. Among these remarkable pieces was The Wedding Feast at Cana by Paolo Veronese, a masterpiece of epic proportions.
Witness the audacity of the French forces as they pillage and transport valuable paintings from various European cities all the way to Paris. Marvel at how these precious works of art, including the Veronese, were displayed at the Louvre, once the palace of French kings and now a museum accessible to the French people.
Saltzman's writing skillfully interweaves the tales of Napoleon's military triumphs and the fascinating treaties that allowed him to amass his precious loot. Gain a deep understanding of the historical context in which these masterpieces were created, and appreciate the ambition behind this monumental cultural undertaking.
Delve into the captivating pages of Napoleon's Plunder and the Theft of Veronese's Feast to experience an unforgettable journey that combines art, history, and military might. Grab your copy now and uncover the captivating secrets and stories behind the remarkable works that grace the walls of the Louvre.
Click here to get your hands on this exceptional hardback book and embark on a remarkable adventure through history.
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