Although little known in France, he was First Painter of the Kingdom of Italy in 1805. It's time to (re)discover Andrea Appiani, thanks to the exhibition organized at the Châteaux de Malmaison and Bois-Préau, from March 16 to July 28, 2025. Art and history lovers, don't miss the exhibition Andrea Appiani, Napoleon's first painter in Italy.
To pay tribute to this leading painter, the châteaux have brought together some one hundred drawings, paintings, preparatory studies and medals, tracing the exceptional life and career of this 18th-century artist.
Andrea Appiani was known for his large-scale decors and frescoes that adorned Milan's monuments, including the Royal Palace. These works were largely destroyed during the bombardments of the Second World War, consigning the painter to oblivion. This exhibition therefore brings back to light an important Italian artist, much appreciated by Napoleon Bonaparte and his family.
The chronological tour tells the story of the painter's life and development: his beginnings and passion for the arts of Antiquity, his meeting and collaboration with Napoleon during the two Italian campaigns, his numerous public and private commissions, his monumental decors and frescoes...
With each new work, visitors see Appiani's style and talent grow and refine. The close ties between the painter and Napoleon Bonaparte ensured the artist's fame and fortune. He is particularly renowned for his theatrical, church and palace decors, and for his colorful portraits in the pure neoclassical style. Andrea Appiani created many portraits: this exhibition highlights, in particular, the laudatory effigies of Napoleon and Josephine.
Andrea Appiani, the Emperor's artist and iconographer, is now coming out of oblivion, thanks to anexhibition at the Châteaux de Malmaison and Bois-Préau.
Dates and Opening Time
From March 16, 2025 to July 28, 2025
Location
Château de Bois-Préau
1 B Avenue de l'Impératrice Joséphine
92500 Rueil Malmaison
Official website
musees-nationaux-malmaison.fr
