The Fondation Napoléon (founded in 1987) is a registered charity committed to the encouragement of the study of and interest in the history of the First and Second Empires and the preservation of Napoleonic heritage.
The Baron Gourgaud, administrator, honorary president of the Fondation Napoléon, and founding president of the Fondation (1987 - 2005), died on 6 August aged 88. The Baron was descended from one of the most faithful officers of the Emperor and he worked tirelessly to make the Fondation a place for the widest possible public, bringing the institution recognition for its historical competence and boldly leading its activities in the preservation of Napoleonic heritage. The Fondation Napoléon presents its most sincere condolences to the Baronne Gourgaud and her son.
HIGHLIGHTED ON NAPOLEON.ORG, 3 - 9 SEPTEMBER
The Bibliothèque Martial-Lapeyre Fondation Napoléon library will be closed exceptionally on Thursday 9 September.
BOOK OF THE MONTH Napoleon's Tomb, by Céline Gautier In this richly illustrated and fascinating history and guide book, Céline Gautier, head of communication at the Musée de l'Armée, takes the reader through the history of Napoleon's tomb and his burial in Les Invalides.
NAPOLEON.ORG New quiz: The major reforms of the Consulate and the Empire Many of the reforms introduced during the Consulate and Empire periods survive today in their respective modern-day French institutions. But how much can you remember abot the administrative history of the period?
WHAT'S ON "Alexandre Cabanel: la tradition du beau", Montpelier, France The Musée Fabre continues its exploration of the major artistic trends that have contributed to the birth of modern art with its exhibition "Alexandre Cabanel, la tradition du beau". This is the first retrospective to be held dedicated entirely to the work of Alexandre Cabanel, one of the most popular and celebrated artists of his time.
English Heritage Open Days 2010 Heritage Open Days (9 - 12 September, 2010) celebrate England's fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Napoleon.org presents here a selection of Napoleonic-themed events and visits, all of which offer free entry and participation.
OBJET D'ART OF THE MONTH Napoleon's Hat "There you sit, infamous hat!" was Prince Metternich's famous address to the hat in a scene from Rostand's Aiglon. This line is the opening of a remarkable monologue in which one of the emperor's most implacable enemies expresses his hate for the hat which has become the embodiement of the emperor himself.
PAINTING OF THE MONTH Allegorical drawing to the glory of H. M. the Emperor, by Innocent-Louis Goubaud It was at the Salon of 1810 that Goubaud first made his name, with a painting entitled A deputation from the Roman Senate offering its homage to H. M. the Emperor and King, a work purchased by the government and which today hangs in the museum at the Château de Versailles.
ARTICLE OF THE MONTH "Wellington's Mules", by R. J. Tennant Using contemporary accounts, letters and diary entries as well as later historical works, R. J. Tennant explores the role of the Equus mulus, otherwise known as the humble mule, in the Peninsular War. The article originally appeared in First Empire, issue n° 113.
NAPOLEONICA. LA REVUE Now free on Cairn.info Don't forget that the Fondation Napoléon's academic review Napoleonica. La Revue, including all the back issues, is available free on Cairn.info.
Site updates, Napoleonic events: it’s all in the Bulletin. Sign up today!
Primary source material, international online journal, lists of online sources: for researchers and students.
If you are a fan of the fine arts, then this is the section for you.
