The Paul-Marmottan Library presents an exhibition of over 160 works from major museums and collections French (Compiègne, Malmaison, Versailles, the Fondation Napoléon, Hermeès …), some of which have never been shown in public. The manufacture of a coach requires several different types of craftsmanship (coachbuilder, wheelwright, draftsman, painter, gilder, decorator …) the coach is both a technical object, demanding constant progress, and also a luxury item, varying from season to season depending on the fashionable mode. Based around the wonderful collection of engravings published by Pierre de Messangere between 1802 and 1815, the Paul-Marmottan Library has built a presentation hosted by many objects, illustrations, paintings, and of course, carriages.
The issue is primarily typological: a festival of technical terms, the “berline
à tombeau”, “calèche clissée”, the “cabriolet à housse”, the “dormeuse”, all types of vehicles, tailored to specific uses: for use in the city of course, but also the countryside, walking, the voyage itself. The voyage itself was tributary to a number of unknown factors: congestion, accidents, attacks, often gibing rise to emotional, combative or coquettish scenes. As well as public transport, there were the luxury requirements of affluent travellers, leaving for a many months, carrying large and precious luggage.
Much more than a technical marvel, the coach was a sign of status, of financial means, and belonging to a particular family. A kind of mobile throne in which the Emperor, the sovereign or the pope expressed their majesty. This aspect is developed in a final section the exhibition concentrating in more detail on the great imperial carriages: from Napoleon’s travel in Europe, either on delegation or in combat, to the coronation and marriage carriages, the child carriers, and finally the funeral hearse.
For four months, the exhibition Carrosses à Marmottan and it’s accompanying activities program (in French) invite you to a unique journey along the roads of Europe and France, in the footsteps of the Emperor.
Bibliothèque Paul-Marmottan
7, place Denfert-Rochereau, Paris France
Telephone : 01 55 18 57 61 / 01 55 18 57 77
Opening hours
Tuesday to Friday 10am – 5.30pm
Saturday 10am-5pm
Closed Sunday and Monday
Full price: 6 €
Reduced price 4€
Language: French