Nanjing Museum to showcase the 'legend' of Napoleon

Oil-painting Napoleon Crossing the Alps to be exhibited at exhibition in Nanjing Museum from April 4 to June 28. [Photo by Wan Chengpeng/Nanjing Daily Post]

Personal belongings of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, and some of the most famous paintings by the greatest artists of the time depicting him will be exhibited at Nanjing Museum in Jiangsu province from April 4 to June 28.

Titled "The Eagle over Europe--Napoleon 1769-1821", the exhibition will showcase a total of 208 relics, including paintings, documents, clothing and furniture that reflects the life of one of the pivotal figures of history.

Highlights of the exhibition includes the math books he delved into during his student days, a metal camp bed used to be a part of his military life as a commander in more than 60 battles, letters expressing his love for his queen Josephine, and the death mask from the island of Saint Helena.

With extraordinary collections provided by renowned Napoléonic authority, Pierre-Jean Chalençon of Paris, the exhibition offers visitors a great opportunity to have an understanding of the Emperor who once had Europe at his feet.