As king, Napoleon only spent three months in Italy. The first time on the occasion of his coronation in Milan, 26 May 1805, the second time during an official visit to Venice in 1807. Outside of Italy he governed whilst maintaining a strict correspondence with his representative, the viceroy and Prince of Venice, Eugène de Beauharnais. Although absent, Napoleon imposed his presence through the Arts. In Italy, as in France, they were a testimony to his glory: portraits of Napoleon I, king of Italy and Prince Eugène, viceroy of Italy, by Appiani, portrait of the Empress Josèphine.

"Napoléon 1er roi d'Italie"
(Andrea Appiani)
Huile sur toile, Ile d'Aix, Musée Napoléonien

A painting by Borsato represents the Emperor's stay in Venice, depicting him watching over the regatta.

"Napoléon 1er préside la régate sur le grand canal, 2 décembre 1807"
(Giuseppe Borsato)
Versaille, Musée national des châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon

The wish of the king of Italy to encourage the Arts manifested itself through the commissions given to artists who idealised his image, as well as through the restoration, decoration and furnishing of royal palaces which served as centres of the Napoleonic rule; the Quirinal Palace and Palace of Milan were the most ambitious projects where the most important artists of the day were employed : a range of prints, etchings and watercolours are evidence of this. Here in this room to admire are the Court Robes of Camille and Pauline Borghèse, a Chasuble belonging to Cardinal Fesch and the robe worn by Napoleon at his coronation in Milan. Also on display: Prince Eugène's sword offered to him by the Town of Milan, the Emperor's Arms and Prince Camille Borghese's Watch and Sword of ceremony.

"Habit du "petit habillement" de l'Empereur lors de son sacre comme roi d'Italie"
par Chevalliern et Picot
Fontainebleau: Musée national du château de Fontainebleau