Italy held a major place in Napoleon's Europe. Created in 1805, the kingdom of Italy was the first French kingdom outside national territory, with Milan as its capital. Napoleon was its king, Eugène de Beauharnais its viceroy. On display in this room, which presents the conquests and organisation of Italy, is Bonaparte crossing the Alps at the "Mont St-Bernard" Pass by Louis David, who was fascinated by Bonaparte's charisma.

"Napoléon franchissant les Alpes au col du mont Saint Bernard"
(Jacques-Louis David)
Versailles : Musée national des châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon

Also here to admire is the famous painting by Gros portraying General Bonaparte at the Arcole bridge. Watercolours and prints illustrate the conquest: The Crossing of the Pô, below "Plaisance", 7 May 1796, The Crossing of the Lodi Bridge, 11 May 1796, by Bacler d'Albe, The Entry of the French into "la Place du Peuple" by Verico, the Proclamation of the Republic at the Roman Forum by Duplessis-Bertaux.

"Le Général Bonaparte au pont d'Arcole, 17 novembre 1796"
(Antoine-Jean Gros)
Versailles : Musée national des châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon

In addition to these can be found the Accounts of the operations of the Italian army as well as two canon prototypes, the "year 11 model" and the "1764 model". Rome was made part of the Empire in 1809 with the aim of it becoming "Ville impériale et libre" ("royal and free town"). As a result extensive projects were carried out here: the development of gardens and public squares, the restoration of ancient monuments...

"Passage du pont de Lodi, le 11 mai 1796"
(Louis-Albert-Guislain Bacler d'Albe)
Paris : Service historique de l'Armée de terre