The largest-scale Napoleon exhibition takes place in Shanghai

Currently, Shanghai is considered to be one of the cities that exhibits the most large-scale exhibitions in the world by using creative ways to present various themes about art, history, and culture. This winter, Shanghai Himalayas Art Museum, collaborating with Chalençon Collection, decided to showcase “Napoleon” to the public from October 27th to February 28th, 2019. This is the largest-scale contemporary historical exhibition ever created in Shanghai that focuses on the vivid life of Napoleon and his historical legacies.

With the help from co-curator Shen Qibin, Board Chairman of Shanghai Himalayas Museum, and Dr. Bernard Chevallier, the global Napoléon expert who once served as the curator of Chateau de Fontainebleau, the exhibition summarizes Napoleon’s life. It started from his teenage years at Corsica to his first crowning as an emperor in France and numerous military achievements that he achieved throughout his reign. The exhitbit also covers his exile to Saint Helena after losing in the Battle of Waterloo in the later period of his life. Moreover, the exhibition of Napolean’s experiences also concentrates on the love affairs that Napoleon had with his two wives, Joséphine de Beauharnais and Maria Luise von Österreich by showcasing Napolen’s letters and writings to his wives throughout his lifetime. 

The content of the exhibition includes contemporary artwork that depict the major life experiences of Napoleon and 185 important antiques such as paintings and sculptures that are dedicated to this great historical figure. Moreover, this exhibition also shows the collection of his manuscripts, writings, clothes, precious ornaments, furniture, and military necessities that he used daily, along with specific explanation for each of the artifacts. By looking at these artifacts in the exhibition, the visitors gain more knowledge about Napoleon’s lifestyle and the major events that occured at different stages of his life.

Since the Shanghai Himalayas Art Museum is hosting this exhibition on a large scale, it would be a great idea for people to visit and learn more about Napoleon. The address for the Shanghai Himalayas Museum is No.869 Yinghua Road, Pudong, Shanghai, China. For additional information, please check out this website.

Featured Image – One of the artifacts presented at the exhibition Courtesy of Shanghai Himalayas Art Museum 

By Amy Kang