Artifacts of Pompeii: From Private Collections to Public Exhibits

From Private Estates to Public Halls

A Look Back at Artifact Collection

The 18th and 19th centuries were marked by a fervent interest in collecting artifacts from ancient sites like Pompeii. This pursuit was driven by the wealthy elite, including aristocrats, royalty, and affluent collectors who sought to acquire these pieces to display in their private estates.

These artifacts not only showcased their wealth but also reflected their education and refined taste. One prominent figure in this era of artifact collection was Empress Josephine, the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, who played a notable role in the early curation of Pompeii’s treasures.

The Motivations Behind Private Collections

During the Enlightenment, there was a resurgence in the appreciation of classical knowledge, which fueled the fascination with antiquities. The Romantic era further amplified this interest by celebrating the grandeur of the past.

Private collectors often conducted informal excavations, sometimes disregarding archaeological methods, to acquire artifacts of Pompeii . These items were displayed in personal galleries or incorporated into the decor of their residences, serving as both educational tools and symbols of status.

The Treasures of Malmaison

Introducing Empress Josephine

Empress Josephine, born Marie Josèphe Rose Tascher de La Pagerie, played a pivotal role in the early curation of artifacts from Pompeii. As the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, she wielded significant influence in the cultural and political spheres of early 19th century France.

Josephine’s keen interest in antiquities and the arts led her to amass an impressive collection of artifacts within her residence at Château de Malmaison. Her dedication to preserving these relics and integrating them into the fabric of her home not only demonstrated her refined taste but also bolstered the cultural heritage of the era.

Through her efforts, Josephine helped transition the allure of artifacts of Pompeii from exclusive private treasures to items of significant public interest and historical importance.

Specifics of Items Sent to Malmaison

In 1802, a selection of artifacts was sent to Empress Josephine’s private collection at Malmaison. These items included papyri, precious metal objects such as jewelry, paintings, sacred and domestic bronzes, armor, weighing tools, terracotta lamps, and a mosaic.

The collection aimed to recreate a typical Roman room, providing a glimpse into the daily life of ancient Pompeii.

Despite varying opinions on their significance, with some contemporaries downplaying their value, these artifacts played a crucial role in preserving Pompeii’s heritage during a tumultuous period.

Divergent Perspectives on Artifacts Value

Attitudes towards the value of artifacts of Pompeii varied significantly during the early 19th century. Antiquarian Francesco Carelli emphasized the rarity and cultural significance of these items, arguing that even everyday objects like cooking pots should be highly prized.

In stark contrast, Ferdinand’s finance minister Giuseppe Zulo dismissed these artifacts as being of little importance, stating that there were already plenty of similar items. This difference in perspective highlights the political undercurrents of the time, as antiquities often served as currency in diplomatic exchanges.

The proposed trade of items such as hunting guns and French porcelain underscored the transactional nature of artifact acquisition. When Naples went to war with France in 1805, Ferdinand took as many antiquities with him into exile as he could, reflecting their enduring value and the contentious nature of their possession.

Ferdinand’s Two Unsuccessful Wars

The First Attempt at War between Naples and France

In the late 18th century, Europe’s geopolitical landscape was rife with tension and shifting alliances. The Kingdom of Naples, ruled by King Ferdinand IV, found itself in direct conflict with revolutionary France.

The closing years of the century were particularly turbulent for Naples, marked by the brief existence of the Parthenopean Republic under French control from January to June 1799.

Following a failed attempt to attack French forces in Rome, the Bourbon monarchs were forced into exile at the end of 1798, seeking refuge in Palermo with the assistance of Nelson’s ships.

During their absence, the French aimed to seize the kingdom’s antiquities, reminiscent of their 1797 plunder of Venice, where they took the famed gilded bronze horses of St. Mark’s to Paris. The first significant clash occurred in 1799 during the War of the Second Coalition.

Ferdinand’s efforts to resist the French ended in a resounding defeat, compelling him to temporarily flee to Sicily. This military confrontation highlighted Naples’ vulnerability to the spreading influence of French revolutionary ideals and military prowess.

In the summer of 1799, Ferdinand was restored to his throne. However, his relationship with Napoleon remained precarious. To ease this strained rapport, the French ambassador, Charles Alquier, proposed sending a selection of antiquities to Paris as a gesture of goodwill.

Continued Conflict and Exile

After Naples once more went to war unsuccessfully with France in 1805 and Ferdinand was again forced into exile, he took with him as many antiquities and other artistic treasures as possible out of the reach of the French.

This strategic retreat was not only a bid to preserve cultural heritage but also a means of safeguarding symbols of Neapolitan identity and legacy. The removal of these artifacts underscored their intrinsic value beyond aesthetics, serving as tokens of power and resistance.

Naples then remained under Napoleonic control from 1806 to 1815, providing an important source of money, men, raw materials, and equipment in support of Napoleon’s expansion across Europe.

The Napoleonic occupation led to significant administrative and societal reforms, but it also meant that many artifacts that were left behind were at risk of being looted or displaced. During this period, the control and distribution of cultural treasures became a focal point, reflecting broader geopolitical and cultural dynamics.

Artifacts and Their Role in Conflict

The relation between artifacts and war was evident in the way Ferdinand prioritized their preservation. The transport of antiquities during times of conflict highlighted their dual role as both cultural symbols and political currency.

For the French, acquiring these items was more than an act of collection; it was a means to demonstrate dominance and cultural superiority. Conversely, for Ferdinand and the Neapolitans, these artifacts represented a historical continuity and a connection to a grand and sophisticated past that stood in stark contrast to the revolutionary zeal of their French adversaries.

The tumultuous period of Napoleonic control therefore left an indelible mark on the fate and perception of artifacts of Pompeii , intertwining their story with the broader narrative of European political upheaval.

The Everlasting Legacy of artifacts of Pompeii

The transition of artifacts of Pompeii from private collections to public exhibits highlights the importance of cultural heritage preservation and education. This shift allows global appreciation and learning from these ancient treasures.

By making these artifacts accessible, we honor history and inspire future generations. The legacy of Pompeii’s artifacts offers a glimpse into ancient Roman life and underscores the need for ongoing preservation efforts.