The Arts Society, Isle of Wight, will be presenting the latest lecture of its season on TUESDAY 10th JANUARY at 2.00pm, at Northwood House, Cowes

Collections of Napoleon and Josephine at Malmaison By Carole Petipher

How was Napoleon such an excellent self-promoter? What was it that drove him? What on the other hand drove his wife? 2021 marked the 200th anniversary of Napoleon’s death; so after all this time what is it that makes them one of the most followed couples in history.

These questions can be answered giving a true insight into their character by exploring the collections at the Chateau de Malmaison. The Estate, which was bought by the couple as their private country retreat, away from the Pomp and Ceremony of the Official residences was made into a National Museum in 1905 amassing a huge collection of their possessions. Paintings, personal objects, complete room layouts, and some magnificent pieces of porcelain are just some of the things on display.

Carole Petipher is an experienced guide lecturer in and around Paris and was often to be found on a converted barge on the Rivers Seine and Oise. She uses art in all its guises to explore the characters who shaped nineteenth century France. For this particular lecture she has researched individual items housed at Chateau de Malmaison and uses them to delve behind the scenes to discover hidden truths about Napoleon and Josephine.

Every month, the society hosts top rated experts in their fields, to give illustrated lectures on a wide variety of subjects connected to fine art, including painting, sculpture, music, history etc.

Membership Application forms are available from the website. www.theartssocietyisleofwight.org.uk

There are a limited number of places for visitors at all lectures for £10 per person but booking must be made in advance to [email protected]
Most Lectures are now also broadcast on Zoom for members who for some reason cannot attend in person