Napoleon’s imperial barge was built for Napoleon Bonaparte and has been unveiled at the Naval Museum in Brest, France.
The following written content by Jack Guy
(CNN) — A spectacular imperial barge built for Napoleon Bonaparte has been unveiled at the Naval Museum in Brest, France, following a restoration project.
Ten specialist restorers worked on the vessel, which was constructed in 1810, for two months prior to the opening of the new display on Friday, according to a press release from the museum.
Visitors can appreciate the 62-foot barge from all angles, thanks to glass bays underneath and a mirror that hangs over the top.
Napoleon Bonaparte, also known as Napoleon I, declared himself France’s emperor in 1804 and made a lasting impact on the country as a military leader and emperor, waging wars against many of the European powers of the time.
He ordered the secretive construction of the imperial barge in spring 1810, and it was first used to ferry him around during a visit to the French naval fleet at Antwerp later that year.
The original barge, which had fairly muted decorative elements including an eagle on the prow, was kept in Brest from 1814 onward.
The more elaborate elements we see today — a figure of Neptune on the prow, figures at the bow carrying imperial weapons, and the large gold crown supported by four angels on the roof — were added in 1858 prior to a visit from Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie.
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