Napoleonic Objects and their Afterlives - by Matilda Greig & Nicole Cochrane (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Two centuries after Napoleon Bonaparte's death, this edited volume brings together a diverse group of historians, art historians, and museum professionals to critically examine the enduring power of visual and material culture in the making of Napoleonic memory. While most discussions surrounding the legendary figure explore his impact on legislative, political, or military reform, this innovative volume explores the global dimensions of the trade in Napoleonic collectibles, art, and relics over time.

Representing new avenues of research and scholarship, Napoleonic Objects and their Afterlives investigates the material objects and cultural forms that Napoleon inspired through a range of themes. These include art collecting, the circulation and display of objects, political and imperial symbolism, and the flexibility and ambiguity of Napoleon's enduring legacy. The essays examine how and why, despite his contentious role in contemporary memory, Napoleon continues to escape much historical and popular censure. They explore the ways people have connected with the idea of him: on stage and screen; in museums and galleries; and most intimately of all, by gathering items said to have belonged to him, right down to his toothbrush and locks of his hair.

Napoleonic items can be official or personal, serious or comical, luxury or disposable, yet little work has been done to bring together these diverse cultural histories into conversation with one another. With its broad, multi-disciplinary approach, including perspectives from art history, film studies, cultural history, and museum curation, the book provides a deep critical insight into the cult of personality surrounding Napoleon and its effect on our understanding of celebrity culture today and in the future.

Includes an additional foreword by Napoleon's biographer, Ruth Scurr, author of In Gardens and Shadows (2021).

Review Quotes

"Nothing short of a joyous feast, for both the eyes and the mind. The chapters represent cultural history at its best, over a wide range of themes [...] a splendid collection." --Michael Broers, Emeritus Professor of European History, University of Oxford, UK

"Illuminating the varied relics that have been created since Napoleon's death, this compelling and thought-provoking book offers a fascinating new study of historical celebrity and material culture." --Hannah Greig, Honorary Professor of History, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK

"This exciting collection of essays redefines Napoleonic cultural and material history, covering memorabilia, ephemera, visual arts, theatre and cinema: essential reading for anyone wishing to understand our collective, continued fascination with Napoleon." --Katherine Astbury, Professor of French Studies, the University of Warwick, UK

About the Author

Matilda Greig is a Historian at the National Army Museum in London, specialising in the cultural history of warfare in the 19th century.

Nicole Cochrane is an art historian and curator. She is currently Assistant Curator in Historic British Art (1790-1850) at Tate Britain, UK.