One year ago, Chaumet celebrated the reopening of their 12 Vendôme home at the occasion of the House’s 240th anniversary. Today, the historic salons host the exhibition “Joséphine Napoléon, an extra(ordinary) story” telling the love story between the Emperor and the Empress, under the eye of a third party: jeweler Marie-Etienne Nitot, the founder of Chaumet. Napoleon Bonaparte became Emperor of France in 1804.
He emphasized his rise from modest noble roots to imperial domination through the splendor of his court and to shower precious stones on both him and his empress. Napoleon appointed Marie-Étienne Nitot, a former apprentice of Marie Antoinette’s court jeweler, as the court jeweler in 1802. Nitot’s firm would eventually become the present-day house of Chaumet.
From May 19th to July 18th, the exhibition will unveil more than 150 pieces of jewelry, paintings, artworks and letters from private collections and cultural institutions such as the Musée du Louvre and Fondation Napoléon. Starting in the Salon Chopin, “Joséphine Napoléon” is a voyage through the different stages of their relationship, and puts the emphasis on the eternal influence of their love – which still inspires Chaumet’s designs today. Their passionate love is told through numerous exceptional jewelry creations, just like the Wheatsheaf tiara designed by Nitot in 1811.
Curated by historian Pierre Branda, the exhibition gives unprecedented insight into the legendary couple’s intimacy.
May 5th marked the 200th anniversary of Napoleon’s death on the island of Saint Helena. His last words were, ‘France, l’armée, tête d’armée, Joséphine” – ‘France, the army, head of the army, Joséphine.’
The exhibition is now open for free, by booking through www.chaumet.com
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