Napoleon in Venice
Napoleon added Venice to his wide and precious portfolio of countries and kingdoms in 1787 as the aftermath of the events of the French Revolution. Later on, in 1805 he became The King of France and Northern Italy.
Venice at the end of the 18th Century was already almost on its knees. Long were gone the days, when it was a maritime republic, ruling huge areas overseas and in the close distance – in the Adriatic seas.
The beginning of the 19th century is well pictured by Count Paul Daru in his history of Venice :
„She is reduced to passive existence, she has no more wars to sustain, or desires to express. A mere spectator of events, in her determintion to take no parts in events, she pretends to make no interest in them ...Isolated amid her fellow- nation, imperturbable in her indifferences, blind to her own interests, insensible to insults, she sacrifices all to the single object of giving no offence to other states, and to preserve a lasting peace.“ (1)
Why could that happen? After 1492, discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, the world and its centre of commerce got to be changed. Cities such as Porto, London, Amsterdam gained importance and reached success within travels to the „West“.
Gradual decline of Venice
Venice after 15th century managed to survive and to continue influencing the market in the surrounding areas. But was not any more the total lord of the seas. Of course, they were still important importer of spices, furniture, luxurious goods and least but not last, slavery
After the 15th century, Venice managed to cover the area which is today Veneto – cities such as Treviso, Padova, Conegliano. With years coming up, fewer areas overseas were ruled, but stronger „local“ influence was felt.
Venice continued with the distribution of printed books, stayed on the market with luxurious goods, created an ideal of the city. It was blooming and busy city, with the financial market and with numerous types of artisans. Painters would be „hired“ to create works of art celebrating „La Serenissima“. Architects were to continue building luxurious homes of Venetian nobility or newly gained „rich“ people (merchants, or people who gained political success).
The world has changed, and maybe Venice did not react. In Apennine peninsula, baroque cities such as Napoli, Palermo, Genova were powerful. Venice probably managed to survive until this time thanks to its fame from history.
In upcoming lines, you will see more of Napoleon´s actions and decisions about Venice. You will see the examples of the style characteristic for his reign - empire. Both in fashion, furniture and interior design.
Venice as spectator of the events
At the end of the 18th century, it was almost on its knees. The city drunk by its balls, its citizens and rulers no more lords of the seas. We often see these years as beautiful, because we see them through ladies in crinolines and gentlemen in powdered wigs. However, this was times of cultural and moral decline of Venice. Craftsmen were not that needed any more.
The new sources of textiles, furs and luxurious goods were available. The business fame was exchanged into „event“ fame. Statesmen of Europe had Venice for a ballroom. It was hard to stand against European dynasties and new dominant powers. 18th century Venice starts to already be a "destination" for travellers, that wanted to have a look at the charm of past.
Napoleon coming
The proud admiral Napoleon Bonaparte, born in 1769 on Corsica and already known for taking part in the French Revolution was at the end of the 18th century on the horse. He had a line of his „actions“ behind him. He was ready to gain whatever he wanted and for any price.
The year 1787 will be always remembered in Venice as „Fall of Republic of Venice“.
In 1797, the Great Council consisting of patricians of Venice met for the last time in Palazzo Ducale. Venice was under threat from the French and Austria, and they „agreed“ to give up their Republic, trying to avoid loss of blood.
Doge Ludovico Manin – the last doge ordered Venetians to accept this resolution in peace, not to argue against this decision and to keep peaceful. The doge abdicated, forever left his offices, where he was leading the Venetian Republic as their selected leader. (2)
The former centre of Republic of Venice and Maritime republic, offices of Doge, the head of Venice with the powerful council, infamous prisons are today accessible to the public and under patronage of MUVE. Palazzo Ducale is one of the essential spots to visit, when in Venice.
Turning "off" Venice´s light
Napoleon, shooting orders in letters from wherever he was located, wrote in a letter to the Directory: "the only course to be taken, was to destroy this ferocious and sanguinary government; and erase the Venetian name from the face of the earth." (2)
As the lord of the city and as well Veneto, he began reconstructing the city. This is the interesting part because this influence and these very decisions can still be seen until today.
We shall see Napoleon as a dictator, who settled his ruling with a force, and thanks to his attempts, sadly thousands of lives had been lost. He changed the map of Europe, and so did he changed the face of Venice, a pearl of Adriatic sea.
During his rule, he decided to re-create Venice into a new, modern place, to be representing his majesty. It had to be one of his „capitals“. Important artistic works had been taken from Venice, to throw them to Louvre, as his trophies. Jewels, from private or Republic possession, had been taken. Famously, one of them ended up in the jewels worn by his 1st wife Josephine.
Transformation of Venice
One of the most disgraceful gestures was folding down of „Quadriga“ – 4 horses from the facade of Basilica di San Marco. They were transported to Paris, as with the other architectonic and artistic treasures from all around Europe. Quadriga was proudly exposed in Paris for 30 years, but after Waterloo loss made a road back to Venice´s Basilica Di San Marco. It was a decision of Austrians. Venetians might have been happy that Quadriga is back, but did not appreciate, that it was done thanks to Austria. (3)
It is interesting, as this Quadriga was formerly taken to Venice from Constantinople in 1204 as a war trophy for them. History has unusual turns. The replica of ellegant Quadriga famously decorates facade of Basilica di San Marco, and its original is placed inside. Until this day, Piazza si San Marco is one of the most pleasant and original squares that can be seen. Even Napoleon famously noted, that this Piazza is the most beautiful square of Europe, and only sky is worthy of being its roof.
Venice was transformed also logistically. What this, excuse me, a bloody man really knew, was the movement of the city, its organization. He helped many European cities to transform themselves and to keep their beauty and functionality, that we are able to use until today. The most famous and graceful example is Paris, that also lost many of its medieval structures and gained wider streets and its today´s charming apartments with characteristic iron balconies.
New architecture for Venice and Nepoleon´s style
Piazza San Marco was for Napoleon a perfect demonstration of his power. He ordered, „Procuratie Nuovissime“ to be erected, to give Piazza more organized look.
Former Palazzo Correr was recreated into his pompous residence. Sumptuous interior decoration, new original furniture and art pieces in Napoleon´s style filled this place.
The style, that is connected with a name of Napoleon is called „empire“. He was re-creating himself to be as the follower of the emperors from the Holy Roman Empire. Creating „scenography“ of the empire´s glory, he made himself the most important protagonist of this plot.
Empire style is in the interior and furniture characteristic in combining motifs of „lion“ head, lion´s paws, in the parts of chair or table legs. Nymphs, sphinxes and ancient gods and creatures were popular.
Symbols and ornaments from Ancient Greece, Rome and from the heritage of Etrusks appeared wherever it was possible. Palaces were built with the long elegant forms, celebrating ancient elegance and opulent forms.
Elements and decors with gold, red, white would be popular. Napoleon himself had an army of designers, who were ordered to build and rebuild palaces, gardens, cities.
Interestingly, Napoleon was ordering his designers to create works, that will survive for the next decades.
„We must create very long-lasting things, that will survive at least 100 years.“ (4)
Empire fashion
Empire clothing was, I believe one of the most interesting „fashion“ attempts in the history of the known dressing. People wanted to dress as much as antique statues from Rome and Greece. These were also the times when ancient findings were continuously made visible, but mainly for the higher classes.
The figure for clothing and as well hairstyle was highly inspired by those worn in Ancient Rome. It was to recall and establish themselves as „the ones“. If we compare it to today's dressing, it can represent such as „branded“ clothing, or clothing that some group of people chooses in order to make themselves different.
The trendsetter of his reign was his wife – Josephine ( the first wife). During the timeline of his dictatorship, the fashion was also evolving. This style was praising the beauty of woman, but if somebody had not had a good figure, they did not appear that great...
Ladies dressing was fantastic. Sleek transparent air-light fabrics such as muslin, silk. Soft types of embroidery in gold or white, pale tones. Waistline arrived directly under the breast- line, and the „upper“ part of bodice was rather symbolic. So much of skin visible, for these times! We are still at the beginning of the 19th century, when the woman saw without her hat or gloves would appear more than vulgar. Empire clothing could afford such scandalous matters.
Dressing of men was very much coming from the „army“ style clothing. This silhouette, I believe was nice for sporty types of men with a good figure. Unfortunately, it did not help to more „curvy“ gentleman.
Empire "antique" hairdresses and hats without a view
Empire hairdressing would be in form of a soft turban, or scarf, demonstrating developed soft curly hair. This hairstyle could be seen in the statues of „heads“ of Roman „Matrone“, that were found. The proud attitude, fantastic glorious hair, such as a crown for a beautiful face.
What stayed, in the form of dressing, was knowing the option of playing with the waistline. The heritage of the hats and style of them from the end of the 18th century, that survived also in empire were peculiar bonnets, preventing woman to have a view to left and right side (as woman should only virtuously look straight).
Long after Napoleon, as we arrive at the end of the 19th century, the waistline of dresses is set somewhere around the real waist. However, opposite to empire fashion, women are coming back to tight forming corsets, demonstrating narrow waist. Narrow, the better of course, event for the price of fainting( which was also desirable, because it showed woman as a fragile soft creature). Empire was more about the freedom of body, being healthy, and not worrying about showing it.
Empire- style goods
The era of Empire fashion of clothing and also furniture was continuing strongly during the reign of Napoleon. It symbolized Napoleon's reign and unstoppable changes. Europe was polarized into 2 camps – his supporters and enemies. After finishing his story, cities tried to turn as far from him as possible, trying to embrace the old regimes and ruling style.
Even though Napoleon was gone, the style of the empire survived, slightly in the fashion and powerfully in furniture and decorative arts production. Napoleon was a strong supporter of national production. He recommended his followers to invest in manufactures in Paris and ordered his people to get clothes and accessories only in France. His reign boosted production of satin, luxurious furniture and precious decorative goods. This style was popular for many years after him – probably for its high quality and universal beauty.
Economical effect of Napoleon´s "style"decisions
„Napoleon´s empire gained success because it offered work for an endless number of artisans and craftsmen, that were trained and after poor days of the French revolution were eager to have a job. Parisian blacksmiths and Lyon silk weavers meant in the times of lack of work problematic group of citizens. Napoleon literally flooded them and the entrepreneurs with the loans. In return, they had to guarantee their profit would be higher than the funds they received. (4)
We can´t argue, that Napoleon changed the face of European. If you walk in Venice, you can visit his former palace,
today Museo Correr, under the patronage of MUVE.
After years of the devastated state, it was renovated and brought into its former glory. Today part of Museo Correr is also a collection of Venetian art and cultural artefacts. Not too much, as I would like to see, but enough, to have a glance into Venice´s culture. Another segment of Museo Correr is its close neighbour Archelogoly museum, which is also interesting to see.
The stamp of the dictator in Venice
Walking around Piazza, you can enjoy the symmetry of Procuratie. Napoleon, that speculated fox knew, that if he had build something extremely „revolutionary“, it would be probably torn down someday.
Though, his „inventions“ and newly erected architecture areas stand on their place until today. They became its important part, and also, it's quality and lasting.
Napoleon believed, that Venice deserves a beautiful public garden. Every good city should have a public garden, isn´t it?
His „demolition“ force was powerful around Venice. So man churches were demolished, to make space for new covered canals, creating a system and option to walk in Venice. It was not any more the city, which was to be entered only from the water. In Sestier
Castello, after Arsenale on the right side, there was a whole area, which
he tore down. Naturally, churches, convents and old houses disappeared without a track. So did significant items, that were inside of them.
Today, you can „walk“ onto Via Garibaldi, formerly having a different name. Where is today a path, was before a canal and waterway, leading to San Pietro Di Castello, important historic and religious centre of Venice.
On the right side of Via Garibaldi, if you arrive from the area of Giardini, was shut down to make space for a new gardens – which is today Giardini, Giardini Biennale and Sant´Elena. This beautiful green part of Venice was created by building up a piece,
that would hold the construction of new houses. If you walk in Sant´Helena, don´t you feel like in Paris?
Giardini and Sant´t Helena are my a favourite corner of Venice. You can stare from here under the shade of trees to the lagoon, seeing Lido in the close distance. In the summer, this place has an impeccable sound of insect and birds. A soft breeze can be felt here, so it is more pleasant to spend here a nice afternoon reading a book, relaxing on the bench, or playing badminton.
What if Napoleon decided to do things differently?
If only Napoleon had a different wish, not to destroy Venice and recreate it into his picture. If only he believed that he wants to be remembered as the man, who brought Venice back to their glory.
Maybe we can learn something from this chapter.
When Napoleon surrendered Venice, it was already in its retirement. We can see in the historical cycles of the prosperity and cycles of downfall. Venice had times of prosperity and never-ending glorious victories in business and financial matters in the 13th and 14th century.
After that, people were just looking backwords, living from the nourishing
blood of the past. So it arrived in the 18th century when they were not able to offer anything as an exchange for their freedom. That is also a part of the evolution.
If you think about Venice of today, what do you think, in which part of the curve it is? It is part of Italy, part of the European Union. (Napoleon would be happy for this, he wished to have a common currency in Europe - which would make it easy to trade and travel). It is a legendary and famous place, where everybody wants to go, at least once in a lifetime. Even its reality might seem dark, maybe even black, I want to believe that it is not its finishing chapter. Somebody is saying “Venezia e morta“. But let´s see it.
What is Venice? Who is Venice? Who killed it and who can bring it back to life?
Venice does not deserve to be "morta"
I think we, as people of the 21st century have already enough examples, how to bring the areas back to life. The city is created by its citizens. Citizens are „behaving“ and can b formed into communities. If these communities work hard and work together, to make each other supported, healthy and prosperous, the whole city can be healthy and prosperous.
No angel is coming with the ultimate money donation for newly born Venetians. There is not arriving an endless European fund, giving people motivation and financial resources. Venice is already given and is waiting to see, how people will use its potential.
Do you want to see Venice shining bright, and enjoying its fruit or will you scratch a „graffiti“ into its wall, cry a tear shouting „Venezia e morta“ ?
I am on the side of the „camp“ that is trying to help it by accessing Venice, its heritage, its wisdom but also falls. History is not only black and white. There are tones, colours, and stories of persons in between.
If we know history, we can decide better and to provide informed decisions. Of course, we will not be always 100 % right. But we will not repeat the same mistakes, as happened in the past.
A small thought about culture and what if
„Culture. Art is part of the culture. The definition of culture is not universally valid, it also changes by changing criteria - religious, moral, political or ideological. Culture is understood differently depending on tradition, civilization, the conditions in which it develops. Culture is manifested in human activity in the field of science, art and life of community and society.
Some considerations speak of culture as power and disintegration, of destruction and revival. They thus compare culture to a life that conceals the opposing forces of birth and extinction.” (5)
What would Napoleon do, if he lived today?
He would maybe say... guys, I am tired of leading wars. I spent more than 200 years in Hell, watching a movie about what I did. Now I have another chance. I am going to fight against the pessimistic economic and cultural situation. I am going to form strong communities, to form a culture of collaboration, innovation, development.
Of course, then he would build probably a bridge from Venice to Paris, or something similar. Maybe he will promote a chain of schools, and institutions caring for psychology problems and elderly. He would grant education and training for essential public workers. Maybe he would form new institutions for contemporary research of
infrastructure, environment, culture.
He would order building of new public parks and gardens in Venice and mainland. He would make sure the quality of the climate and the air is positive for life in Venice and the mainland. He would promote local production, travel through whole Veneto to find the best industries, the best entrepreneurs and he will make sure they work in good conditions.
He would perhaps get in touch with cities,
that have been struggling with similar fate of fast- tourism recently – Porto, Barcelona, Amsterdam...He would most definitely organize opulent
parades, hiring dozens of local artisans, entertainers, event providers.
Maybe he would organize the world´s biggest tourism fair, to create space for conversation and life- long education. Probably he would reconstruct a couple of interiors in Venice and dressed pillows into gold, ordering every detail to be produced into the highest quality and to last at least for 100 years. I can clearly see his interiors in Architectural Digest...
Maybe he would try to find and promote identities of growing parts of Venice and making sure citizens and services are all
well and working.
Probably, Napoleon would try to find the solutions and betterment and nothing would stop him. I hope, this time he would use diplomacy and fight with words and practical plans, no wars.
Or..? What do you think?
Text Karolinska 2021
Photo Museo Correr: Karolinska
Collage Napoleon on the horse crossing Alps: Karolinska 2021 (added background, blur)
Paintings: Public Domain
Reproduction of dresses: MET Public Domain
Resources:
(1) A history of Venice, John Julius Norwitch, Penguin Books 2003
(3) Benátky, Literární toulky svetem umellcu, hudby a karnevalu. Václav FIALA, Paseka 2011
(4) The age of Napoleon, Alistair HORNE, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2004
(5) Milan Corba, Kostymova tvorba prednasky, Divadelny ustav Bratislava, VSMU, DF Bratislava, Slovakia 2009
Fashion A History from the 18th to the 20th Century, 2015 Taschen