COLLECTIONS OF PALAIS VIVIENNE
The Palais Vivienne Collection, GMC+A, and EDG are partnering to share extraordinary artistic works in three new and unique exhibitions to tour domestically and internationally.
Since the success of The Eye of Napoléon, the Chalençon Collection has expanded three-fold. Through this expansion, a new collection of Napoléonic artwork and objects has formed: the Palais Vivienne Collection. Once home to the progressive art school Académie Julian, it became the birthplace of the early 20th-century French avant-garde, and is now the new home of the Chalençon Collection.
NAPOLÉON: THE GREAT TREASURES OF ART
Encouraging unique and local stories tailored for each museum, Napoléon: The Great Treasures of Art
embraces the talents of the local curator at each exhibiting institution. The collection from Palais Vivienne will consist of its 25 finest artworks, curated by Pierre-Jean Chalençon and Bernard Chevallier, former Director and Curator of Château de Malmaison. The exhibition focus will be the great master artists employed by Napoléon between the years 1799 to 1814, and the influential artworks they created. Predominantly consisting of paintings, drawings, and sculpture, the collection includes works by Lorenzo Bartolini, Antonio Canova, Antoine-Denis Chaudet, Jacques-Louis David, Paul Hippolyte Delaroche, François Gérard, Baron Antoine-Jean Gros, Jean-Antoine Houdon, and Jean Baptiste Regnault. Additional loans may be available from other major French and international lenders.
NAPOLÉON: EMPIRE TODAY
The influence of Napoléon on functional arts and design changed the worlds of architecture, fashion, fine art, and applied arts. Embracing the classic styles of the Roman Empire and infusing them into early 19th-century industry and design, Napoléon defined what is now recognized as the Empire style of the First French Empire period. These influences were set in motion between 1800 and 1815, and their resulting styles still dominate design and fashion today.
Napoléon’s Empire Today
showcases the masterpieces of Napoléonic furniture, jewelry, architectural design, and functional art of the Palais Vivienne collection alongside the finest of contemporary applied art objects and jewelry. The interior designs of Napoléon’s homes are juxtaposed with today’s masters such as Philippe Starck. The personal jewels of Joséphine de Beauharnais and Napoléon are displayed alongside pieces by Versace, Chanel, and Dolce & Gabbana. Porcelain and glassware that once decorated the Emperor’s tables are viewed next to pieces by the most elaborate contemporary craft designers and artists. Highlighting high fashion and precious jewels, the exhibition encourages a contemporary celebration of today’s most successful industries through the eyes of history. Through tailored curation, partnerships and sponsorships, the exhibition is an ideal opportunity to bring new partners and
visitors to the museum.
THE TABLE OF NAPOLÉON
In a unique and immersive setting, The Table of Napoléon offers museums both an exhibition and one-of-a-kind event. Displayed within one stunning gallery, the exhibition shares with museum guests an extraordinarily detailed recreation of Napoléon’s dining room, as if transported directly from his palace. Guests will step directly into history, viewing the settings of Napoléon on loan from Palais Vivienne. The artifacts include full place settings as they would have been arranged for a full dinner hosted by the Emperor. Guests find crystal, china, silver utensils, cloth and linens on display, alongside the table fully fitted with his dining room furniture. Surrounding the table and settings are paintings, clocks, busts, and drapes that once would have surrounded Napoléon and his guests. The wall treatments of the formal dining rooms of Napoléon have been
meticulously scanned, reproduced and installed, making as true a recreation as possible.
This exhibition is designed to captivate and delight guests with its exquisite opulence and grandeur. In addition to the artifacts and setting, the exhibition functions as a catalyst for events set within the institution. Surrounded by the authentic artifacts from Palais Vivienne, guests can discover details of etiquette, food, manner, social norms, entertainment, and art.
Events that are offered in tandem with the exhibition may include a selection of the following: wine tasting and pairing of the early French 19th century with wines from Napoléon’s vineyards; fashion of the historic and contemporary Empire styles; and etiquette instruction—from table settings to serving. Optional historically-accurate dining experiences following menus of Napoléon interpreted by today’s finest master chefs can provide diners an exclusive, fully-sensory and exceptionally authentic experience at a table set with Empire furnishings, linen, glassware, and flatware based upon the originals just a room away. This exclusive gathering of fortunate guests will experience wines from Napoléon’s vineyards and authentic regional foods, making this event an unprecedented dining experience.
The Table of Napoléon is a perfect fundraiser for museums and is ideal for drawing local partners and sponsors to participate in museum activities. The combination of exhibition and event provides a rare opportunity with value well beyond the cost of the experience.
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