In pictures

On 30 November, 1809, after a tense dinner together, Napoleon announced to Josephine that he was decided on separation. The emperor desired a son who would succeed him and continue the Bonaparte dynasty. In their fifteen years together, Josephine had been unable to provide him with this heir. Upon learning of Napoleon's decision, the empress […]

This caricature, published in the Trombinoscope, is inspired by the Prince Imperial's love for bicycles and cycling. After the fall of the empire, caricaturists baptised the young prince Napoléon Eugène-Louis-Jean-Joseph Vélocipède IV. The Trombinoscope (two collective volumes published in 1874 and 1878 covered all of the issues, produced daily, of the paper) was the work of […]

This engraving depicts the Prince Imperial's passion for cycling. His interest in these machines led to caricaturists baptising him Napoléon Eugène-Louis-Jean-Joseph Vélocipède IV after the fall of the Second Empire. For more information about the Prince Imperial and his love of all things two-wheeled, see our file on the Prince Imperial's velocipede.

First page of the Franco-Austrian treaty, signed in Schönbrunn Palace on 14 October, 1809. After the armistice, agreed at Znaïm in July 1809, the Treaty of Vienna (also known as the Treaty of Schönbrunn) brought an end to Napoleon's Austrian campaign of 1809, and with it, the War of the Fifth Coalition. Signed on 14 October […]

In 1807, Napoleon commissioned the Sèvres Manufactory to create a dinner service for his personal use. This famous service was known equally as the “service particulier de l'Empereur” (“the Emperor's personal service”) or the “service des Quartiers Généraux” (“the Headquarters service”) and is exceptional not only for its design and quality but also for the […]

Drawing by Benjamin Zix of the hussars parade at Schönbrunn Palace on 12 October, 1809. It was during this military parade that the young Frederick Staps tried to assassinate the French emperor.

For details of the Austrian campaign of 1809, take a look at our close-ups: – The Battle of Aspern-Essling– The Battle of Wagram– Andreas Hofer and the insurrection in the Tyrol, 1809-1810– The Treaty of Vienna, 14 October, 1809

This miniature frigate, a toy belonging to the only son of Napoleon III and the Empress Eugénie, was built in the workshops at the Brest arsenal and given to the Prince Imperial in 1863. It measures 3.86m in length and 1.10m in width and was immediately launched on the carp pond at Fontainebleau. It is […]

Click here for a commentary on the sword.

Click here for a commentary on the sword.