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THIS MONTH'S OBJECT
The Jouy Cloth - bed cover: "Pallas and Venus"
Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf's (1738-1815) printed cloth manufactory, founded in Jouy-en-Josas in 1760, whose most famous products are known as 'toiles de Jouy' (Jouy cloth), was particularly prosperous during the Empire period. This "Pallas and Venus" cloth is an outstanding example.
A USEFUL HANDBOOK: NAPOLEON'S UNIFORMS AND ACCOUTREMENTS
We asked Francis Jolivet a few questions about his recent ground-breaking book: a bi-lingual, illustrated handbook of the Emperor's uniforms and accoutrements...
1 - How did you get the idea for this book?
The idea came to me when I noticed that there was no general book on what uniforms and decorations Napoleon wore or which weapons he carried throughout his life. There only existed a few, very specialised, studies which dealt with his most common uniforms.
2 - Why did you publish the book in both French with facing English translation?
I noticed that there was great interest amongst our American and British friends for all things related to the Emperor and his epoch. A two-language book made it possible to reach both publics, Francophone and Anglophone, with a single volume.
3 - What specific problems did you encounter when writing this book?
The main difficulty was the task I set myself of attempting to be as exhaustive as possible. For that we had to cut the Emperor's life up into its constituent parts and then to try to determine what he wore at those times. After that it was simply a question of research, in books, museums or putting direct questions to the Imperial family itself.
4 - Do you have any other Napoleonic projects?
I'm now working on a second volume, but this time the uniforms, arms and decorations of the Emperor's brothers.
DONATIONS TO THE FONDATION NAPOLEON
Ever thought about supporting the study of Napoleon I? Why not make a donation to the Fondation Napoléon?
For further information, contact Peter Hicks
CHANGE IN OPENING TIMES FOR THE BIBLIOTHEQUE M. LAPEYRE-FONDATION NAPOLEON
On Thursday 12 February, the library will be open exceptionally from 2 to 6pm, instead of the usual 10am to 3pm. If you require further information, please call ++33 (0)1 56 43 46 06.
Wishing you an excellent, Napoleonic, week!
Peter Hicks
Historian and Web editor
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THIS WEEK:
Just published
- Napoleon I: Uniforms, garments, arms, decorations and equestrian equipment, by Francis Jolivet
- The Birth of the Modern World, 1780-1914: Global Connections and Comparisons (Blackwell History of the World S.), by C. A. Bayly
- The Lines of Torres Vedras 1809-10 (Fortress Series), by Ian Fletcher
- 1815: The Waterloo Campaign. Volume 1: Wellington, His German Allies and the Battles of Ligny and Quatre Bras, by Peter Hofschroer
- 1815: The Waterloo Campaign. Volume 2: The German Victory, by Peter Hofschroer
Web sites
Go to the Napoleonic directory and select 'History' in the 'Web Sites' scroll bar menu
- Spanish web site of 19th-century photographs of Grognards
- The BBC's Nelson page
What's on
- Book presentation: Letizia Bonaparte: vita, potere e tragedia della madre di Napoleone, by Edgarda Ferri, Lucca
- Lunchtime lecture: the Entente Cordiale at Britain's National Army Museum
- Conference: Talleyrand, prince of negotiators
- Exhibition: Elisa's Days: the public and private life of a princess, Lucca (Italy)
- Exhibition: Art booty in the Napoleonic period. The "French gift" to Mainz, 1803
The monthly titles
- This month's book: Napoleon Guide, Guides Gallimard
- This month's painting: François I and the queen of Navarre, by Fleury Richard
- This month's article: 'The Emperor's New Clothes and the Death of Napoleon, back to back'
by Peter Hicks
- In the Collectors Corner, The Jouy Cloth - bed cover: "Pallas and Venus"
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