Spectacular Second Empire, an exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay
This is one of the most lavish periods in the history of France, the Second Empire, which the Orsay Museum He/She shows us around.
A time of plenty, euphoria, and multiple celebrations (political, economic, religious, and artistic) in the 1850s to 1870s thus appears to be the period that saw the birth of a modern France.
During the Second Empire, Parisian life was in the rhythm of the numerous balls, soirées and salons organized by the most brilliant court of the 19th century. This society cultivated a taste for vivid tableaux and formal balls where identities faded and intrigues intertwined. Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie hosted magnificent receptions where the luxury of the court was intended to be the same as in the time of the kings.
© Musée d’Orsay
The Emperor modernizes; the lyrical and theatrical liveliness enables the construction of new monuments such as the Châtelet Theatre and the gem that is the Charles Garnier Opera House. It is also Haussmann’s transformation of Paris, which transforms the capital into a new urban space, sacrificing the alleys of the old city in favor of the construction of imposing boulevards, thus catapulting it into the modern world.
Napoleon III handing over the decree of annexation of the neighboring communes to Baron Haussmann on February 16, 1859
© Musée Carnavalet
The Universal Exhibitions in 1855 and 1867 in Paris portrayed a brilliant and opulent Empire where the excellence of French art industry was affirmed and the unbridled eclecticism of the sources of inspiration to which the creators drew upon was evident. Orsay Museum Presented through spectacular scenography, these accumulations of the most beautiful objects created by the Imperial Sèvres manufactory, the cabinetmakers Fourdinois and Diehl, the goldsmiths Christofle and Froment-Meurice. The jewelry expresses this opulence through the imperial crown and the diadem of Alexandre-Gabriel Lemonnier.
Silver, Gold, Diamonds, Pearls
Paris Louvre Museum, Department of Art Objects, donation from the Friends of the Louvre
© RMN-Grand Palais (Musée du Louvre) / Rights reserved
Diamonds, Emeralds, Gold, Leather
Paris, Louvre Museum
© CEJ
The famous jeweler Mellerio It is celebrated with thirty pieces of high-quality jewelry. At that time the house reached its peak; the clientele was exceptional; Napoleon III, Empress Eugénie, Princess Mathilde, the courts of Europe, writers, composers, actresses… It is this creative, artistic, and technical spirit that is highlighted, especially with the transformable jewelry like this tiara studded with turquoise.
Turquoise cabochons, Diamonds, Silver, Gold
Paris, a special collection
© Mellerio
Green enamel, Rose, Lilies, Diamonds, Gold
Paris, a special collection
© Photo Wartski Ltd., London
Some exceptional pieces, from the collection Mellerio will be presented for the first time to the public.
© Mellerio
Diamonds, Emeralds, Sapphires, Rubies, Silver, Gold
Paris, a special collection
© Mellerio
For these 30 years, the Orsay Museum portrays a wonderful view of the Second Empire, not to be missed.
Spectacular Exposition of the Second Empire, 1852-1870
From September 27, 2016 to January 16, 2017
Orsay Museum
62 rue de Lille 75007 Paris
