Symbols of power .(Report from Europe)(Symbols of Power: Napoleon and the Art of the Empire Style 1800-1815, Musee des Art decoratifs, Paris)(Brief article)

The close relationship of the decorative arts to political power is examined in an exhibition now in Paris, but seen earlier at the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, which illuminates Napoleon's use of image and symbols. Although emperors, kings, and presidents have always used the arts for self-aggrandisement, Napoleon was in a class by himself.

Initially continuing the backlash of the French Revolution, the style at Napoleon's court was simple: furniture, clothing, and other objects harked back to the classical style and could be considered austere. Slowly, opulence and decoration crept in. One of the first symbols introduced by the ...