From Saturday, October 7, 2017 until Sunday, November 4, 2018, the exhibition “Napoleon. Images of the legend “, is visible at the Fine Arts of Arras (Pas-de-Calais). Details.
At this time and until Sunday, November 4, 2018 , an exceptional exhibition invests the Fine Arts of Arras (Pas-de-Calais) : “Napoleon. Images of the legend . As clearly indicated in his name, it is an exhibition on Napoleon, emblematic character of the History of France who, by his actions and the construction of the First Empire , has marked his peers and is still anchored in the minds.
Versailles in Arras
Such an event was made possible by a partnership born in 2011 between the City of Arras and the Palace of Versailles . For ten years, works from the Versailles collections are exhibited in Arras, during periods of high-rise. This collaboration allowed, in 2012-2013, the presentation of “Roulez, carrosses! “ And, in 2014-2016, of ” Palace of Versailles in 100 masterpieces “ .
More than 160 objects
“Napoleon. Images of the legend “ brings together more than 160 objects , including paintings, sculptures, furniture and works of art reflecting the era of the First Empire. According to the details of the City of Arras:
“This collection is the largest in the world on the subject.”
This thanks to the creation in 1837 by Louis Philippe of the Museum of the History of France. The exhibition, visible in the heart of the Saint-Vaast abbey, follows a chronological division, allowing to follow the life of the Emperor, the Revolution to the return of the ashes, and to evoke the imperial Court.
Flagship works
Visitors will find paintings of the most representative painters of the Empire such as:
- Jacques-Louis David (see Bonaparte crossing the Great Saint Bernard );
- François Gérard;
- Antoine-Jean Gros (see General Bonaparte in Arcole );
- Robert Lefèvre;
- Louis-François Lejeune (see The Battle of the Pyramids ).
Other works, less known but equally valuable to bear witness to the imperial era complete the collection. The furniture and objets d’art presented are also representative of the Empire style. They were designed largely by the cabinetmaker of the Empire Jacob-Desmalter, for the Grand Trianon, the Palais des Tuileries, Compiegne, or the Elysee.
On a larger scale
If the main event takes place in Arras, the rest of the region participates in the radiation of this event. The City of Arras specifies:
“The ‘Résonnance’ system set up by the Hauts-de-France Region will allow other events, around the theme of the Empire, to unfold on the territory: readings, concerts, plays, animations … appointments that will make it possible to discover to a wide public the Empire in different forms. “
Practical information:
Exhibition “Napoleon. Images of the legend “, visit to the Fine Arts of Arras, 22, rue Paul Doumer, 62 000 Arras.
Visible at this time and until Saturday, November 4, 2017.
Open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 am to 6 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 6:30 pm. Closed on Tuesdays, January 1st, May 1st, November 1st and December 25th.
Further information on the official website of the exhibition .
