Rearview Mirror Chronicles

Napoleon - The Greatest Art Thief of All Time

Keith Hockton Season 1 Episode 55

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Napoleon Bonaparte wasn’t just a military genius; he was also one of history’s most audacious art thieves. During his campaigns across Europe, he systematically looted countless masterpieces, amassing an unparalleled collection of art for France. His most notorious haul came from Italy, where he plundered treasures like the "Laocoön and His Sons" and "The Wedding at Cana," transporting them back to Paris. These works filled the Louvre, which Napoleon envisioned as the grand “Musée Napoléon,” a symbol of his empire's cultural dominance. His legacy in the art world is a double-edged sword: a visionary patron to some, a shameless pillager to others.

Join Keith as he leads you through the thought process of why he stole so much.