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Description: Pieces from the art collection of Napoleon's consort.
Phone: 0207845 4600
Trains: Tube: Embankment 
Enjoyable: Francois Gerard's portrait of Josephine
Napoleon was once reported to have said the only thing coming between him and his consort were her debts. Indeed, when Josephine died in 1814, leaving debts to the tune of 3million francs (more than £4million today), her creditors were so numerous that they had to be listed in alphabetical order.
It wasn't her lavish ways that finally drove them apart. They divorced because she was unable to produce an heir. He left her the imposing mansion of La Malmaison, on the outskirts of Paris, where she lived out her days, luxuriating in the treasures she had amassed.
As we see in this sumptuous exhibition, these include Canova's life-sized marble of a dancer and Francois Gerard's portrait of Josephine (pictured). There are personal items: an exquisite goldembroidered court dress designed by Louis-Hippolyte Leroy, the hottest designer of his day, and a pair of tiny leather slippers embroidered with hearts.
Though this exhibition seeks in part to redress the image of Josephine as a frivolous lover of luxury, it doesn't quite succeed in convincing us that she was a serious patron of the arts. Which is perhaps all the more frivolously enjoyable for us.
Until Nov 4, Hermitage Rooms, Somerset House, Strand WC2, daily 10am to 6pm, £5, £4 concs. Tel: 020 7845 4630. Tube: Temple
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
