Documentary 'Napoleon: In the Name of Art' Explores Emperor's Art Obsession

A new documentary titled 'Napoleone. Nel nome dell'arte' (Napoleon: In the Name of Art) examines Napoleon Bonaparte's lifelong obsession with art and literature. Produced by 3D Produzioni and Nexo Digital in partnership with Intesa Sanpaolo and Gallerie d'Italia, the film features narration by Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons. It traces Napoleon's passion from his rise to his fall, highlighting key moments such as his coronation as King of Italy on May 26, 1805, in Milan's Duomo, where he wore the Iron Crown. The soundtrack includes the Te Deum by Francesco Pollini, composed for the coronation and recently rediscovered by Licia Sirch, a professor at the Milan Conservatory, in the State Archives. The documentary follows the restoration of Napoleon's coronation mantle and ceremonial objects. Locations include Milan (Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense, Pinacoteca di Brera), Rome (Museo Pio Clementino, Musei Capitolini), Paris (Louvre, Notre-Dame), and Tuscany (San Miniato, Elba). It recounts the odyssey of artworks taken to Paris and returned in 1816 through the efforts of Antonio Canova, including the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoön, Dying Gaul, and Capitoline Brutus. The film will be in cinemas from November 8 to 10.