Saturday, October 10, 2009

The Empress Josephine

Not quite a queen, but I quite like Joséphine de Beauharnais. Imagine what a nice life it must have been to sit around all day on plush furniture in gauzy gowns and have one's portrait painted. But, alas, she was married to little Napoléon Bonaparte, so I guess there's a drawback to everything. They did divorce, though - so not all was lost (the whole "no heir" issue rears its ugly head again).

She definitely rocked the royal simplicity. Not to over the top, but still with the clear implication of "I'm much more wealthy and cultured than you." (ie very French haha)

Photobucket

Photobucket

portrait by François Gérard

3 comments:

  1. Beautiful paintings..I admire Josephine.

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  2. The second painting is so great. The dress would look amazing made in real life. I'm inspired.

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  3. jo is like the quintessential neo-classic idol...i love how her look is totaly like 'we hated the poofy old royalty but we love this chick even though she might as well be queen'

    http://thekatiegirls.blogspot.com/

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