The Sisters Zénaïde and Charlotte Bonaparte, Jacques-Louis David (1821)
Oil on canvas
Image courtesy of the J. Paul Getty Museum’s Open Content Program
Niece of the famous French commander Napoleon, Charlotte Bonaparte (1802-1839) and her family were forced to flee their homeland in 1817 as a result of military strife. They settled at Point Breeze, a 1,000 acre estate in Bordentown located on the Delaware River. Prior to her exile, Bonaparte held the titles of Princess of France and Infanta of Spain. Unlike most American girls her age, Bonaparte was educated by private tutors and artists. During her time in the state she sketched and painted early 19th century New Jersey scenes and landscapes.
In 1822, one of Bonaparte’s drawings was on display at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. The Academy exhibited ten of her drawings the following spring; the collection included landscapes, portraits, and flower studies.