Edouard André’s family were wealthy bankers. At 18 he entered military school and later served in an elite regiment in the direct service of Napoleon III where the handsome young man caught the eye of the Empress Eugenie. At 30 he entered politics, taking over his father’s position as a Deputy. At the same time he began his collection of paintings, furniture and objets d’art. Aged 35 he had a mansion built in the newly created Boulevard Haussmann.
When France became a republic again, he retired from politics and turned his interest full time to the decorative arts. Like many of his contemporaries, he became interested in 18th century styles. His inherited fortune allowed him to furnish his home with original pieces from the period.
During the construction of the mansion in Boulevard Haussmann, Edouard’s cousin arranged for him to have his portrait painted by an artist named Nélie Jacquemart. They married some years later.
Edouard suffered from ill health and Nélie moved to a bedroom next to his to care for him. They had breakfast together each morning in the adjoining antechamber. After Edouard’s death Nélie redecorated his bedroom with the furniture which can be seen today at the Jacquemart André museum.
