BONAPARTE'S SPY
Please listen carefully to my story; it comes to you from the shadows of history. I was born Dominique Vivant Denon in 1747. While still young, I found myself a leading figure in fashionable circles, and in time I was privileged to hold some of the most interesting positions of my day. I became an agent of the monarch, a courtier, an Egyptologist, an author, and perhaps most importantly Napoleon Bonaparte’s spy. Still young I also came to write my magnum opus, and became famous for a short story titled “Point de Lendemain” or “No Tomorrow”. After this literary triumph I started sporting masks in public, as I wished only to be recognized for my wit and silver tongue. My favorite disguise became that of a stylish owl. My legacy and pride however became my close involvement with the re-baptizing of the Louvre; the Napoleonic Louvre. It maintained this illustrious title for Decades. |
Even today when you visit the Louvre, you can sense me around my favorite galleries.
After my beloved Emperor Bonaparte abdicated, I elected to remain as administrator and caretaker responsible for his treasures. I still personally attend to the Great sarcophagus in the Egyptian gallery
My favorite remains the glorious painting, the “Wedding at Cana” by Veronese, that I personally maintain on a regular schedule… hence don’t be disconcerted by the light fragrance of varnish and beeswax. … as retold by Valerie von Sobel |