Centred on Napoleon's coronation as Emperor, the exhibition explores the sisters' private and public roles, as wives and mothers, and princesses and queens of Italy -- figureheads of the new Europe at the courts of Rome, Florence and Naples. Paintings, sculptures, furniture, accessories, jewellery, bring to life the extraordinary destinies of Elisa (1777-1820), Princess of Piombino and Lucca and later Grand-Duchess of Tuscany; Pauline (1780-1825), wife of the Roman aristocrat Camillo Borghese; and Caroline (1782-1839), wife of General Joachim Murat, who reigned with him in unparalleled splendour at the court of Naples. Three women, with three very different personalities -- one celebrated for her beauty, her sisters for their energy, charm and intelligence, all three witnessing and playing central roles in the events of their time. Their remarkable destinies are explored here together for the first time, from their young womanhood in Paris as sisters of the First Consul, Napoleon Bonaparte, to their Italian reigns under the French Empire.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.