Napleon Exhibit at the MFA

Here is an extra credit assignment that I think everyone would enjoy.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is hosting "Symbols of Power: Napoleon and the Art of the Empire Style, 1800-1815. (October 21-January 27)

http://www.mfa.org/exhibitions/index.asp?key=895

This is a great opportunity for you to see some wonderful primary sources, like the famous painting, Ingres', "Napoleon I on His Imperial Throne", which we analyzed together in class. Other examples of primary sources from the empire include: Napoleon's throne, sword, and an elegant dress worn by Josephine herself.

THE ASSIGNMENT:

1. Visit the exhibit at the MFA. Go with friends from class, family, or your imaginary friend...I have one :)

2. After viewing the entire exhibit, choose one of the objects in the collection to analyze for its OPVL. REMEMBER TO EVALUATE IT AS AN HISTORICAL SOURCE, KEEPING IN MIND THE THEME OF THE EXHIBIT: SYMBOLS OF POWER.

If you are going with your fellow classmates, please make sure that your work is your own. This is not a collaborative assignment!

3. Write a 750 word essay that discusses the following:

a. An introduction to the exhibit, as well as the artist and object that you chose to analyze.
b. Your analysis of one of the exhibit's works, based on its ORIGIN, PURPOSE, VALUE, and LIMITATIONS as a symbol of the power Napoleon tried to create as emperor of France.
c. Why, when Napoleon declared himself emperor of France in 1804, do YOU think he put skilled artisans to work, creating this lavish imperial style and the objects that are in the exhibit?
d. Your experiences getting to/and at the MFA. Did you enjoy the exhibit? Why/Why not?

USING THE CHICAGO STYLE FORMAT, YOUR ESSAY SHOULD INCLUDE FOOTNOTES AND A BIBLIOGRAPHY.

STAPLE YOUR TICKET STUB FROM THE MUSEUM TO YOUR PAPER.

DUE DATE: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 (IF YOU WOULD LIKE THE ASSIGNMENT TO COUNT FOR TERM 1, THE DUE DATE IS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9.)

WORTH ONE TEST GRADE

HAVE FUN!!!