When did Napoleon Bonaparte appoint Vivant Denon as director of the Louvre?
Napoleon Bonaparte appointed Vivant Denon as director of the Louvre by 1802. This appointment organized the disorganized collection and allowed Denon to travel with military expeditions to Italy, Germany, Austria, and Spain to select artworks for France.
What happened to Venetian gold and silver works during the Napoleonic occupation?
Gold and silver works from Venice were melted down to pay soldiers' salaries during the occupation. The Arsenal of Venice was dismantled with more than 5,000 cannons melted down for scrap to finance military wages.
Which treaty required the return of remaining artworks on the 20th of September 1815?
Austria, the United Kingdom, and Prussia agreed that remaining artworks should be returned in a treaty signed on the 20th of September 1815. This agreement affirmed no principle of conquest would permit France to retain spoils.
How many paintings did General Athenase Lavallée report Spain received in November 1815?
General Athenase Lavallée reported that Spain received 248 paintings in November 1815. Austria received 325 paintings and Prussia received 258 bronzes according to his report.
Why did Antonio Canova make a list of Italian paintings sent to France?
Antonio Canova made a list of Italian paintings sent to France as a papal diplomat to document how many works were subsequently repatriated or lost across different cities. His catalog noted the fate of these items after their seizure.