Napoleon’s original bed from the Tuileries is now displayed in the Empress’ bedchamber in the Grand Trianon at Versailles.
In 1816 Louis XVIII replaced the winged eagles on the bedhead, a symbol closely associated with Napoleon, with horns of abundance.
Napoleon’s “N” in the centre of the bedhead was also replaced. It is now showing Louis Philippe’s initials.
Throughout his reign, Napoleon’s chief residence was the Tuileries Palace. In 1808 Napoleon had his official bedchamber completely redecorated. The ceiling was decorated with grisailles depicting Jupiter, Mars, Apollo and Minerva. Red silk damask decorated with poppies covered the walls. The new bed and all the furniture was gilded wood.
It is interesting to see that Napoleon’s architect Percier designed the grand bed in the same style as the beds under the former monarchy. Unlike the Empire beds were placed parallel to the wall, this grand bed “à la duchesse”was designed to be at right angles to the wall. The canopy and curtains of the bed were in white satin decorated with gold stars.
Napoleon’s bed was reused by Louis XVIII and Louis Philippe and his wife Marie-Amelie.
(See “A Shared Bed”)
