Exhibition labels & didactics - National Gallery of Victoria

Martin-Guillaume BIENNAIS silversmith
French 1764–1843
Campaign plate with Napoleon’s
coat of arms
Assiette de campagne aux armes de
l’Empereur
Empire period 1804–15
silver
Fondation Napoléon, Paris
Donation Lapeyre inv. 575
When Napoleon was on campaign, the
logistics of his encampments were completely
regulated. It never took more than thirty
minutes to set up his headquarters, thanks to
the use of specially designed demountable
and transportable materials. The interior of
the Emperor’s tent was rationally and
functionally fitted out, while still retaining a
certain comfort. Just as at court, the
Emperor’s tableware was made exclusively by
Biennais. There was a plain table service with
silver cutlery and plates bearing the Imperial
coat of arms.
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