The Legion of Honour
First Consul Bonaparte created the Legion of Honour in 1802. More than two centuries later, it continues to be a symbol of talent, courage and dedication to the nation.
The white star dangling from its red ribbon has faced all political upheavals. Only the central image has changed in response to the movement of history: Empire, Monarchy, Republic. . . Its meaning remains true to the hopes of its founder and today, as in the past, the Legion of Honour singles out an active and outgoing elite, the mirror of a nation through time.
The white star dangling from its red ribbon has faced all political upheavals. Only the central image has changed in response to the movement of history: Empire, Monarchy, Republic. . . Its meaning remains true to the hopes of its founder and today, as in the past, the Legion of Honour singles out an active and outgoing elite, the mirror of a nation through time.
The collars
The three collars of the Legion of Honour are at the heart of the museum. The prestigious insignia are the vibrant symbols of the order’s universality and endurance.
The First Empire collar had no statutory regulation and was thus worn by others besides the Emperor including princes in his family and several high dignitaries. It was designed by Dominique-Vivant Denon and manufactured by the silversmith Biennais. The symbols in the medallions represent the activities of the nation where Legion of Honour holders have excelled.
A new ornament, directly inspired by the first, was fabricated under the Third Republic. It became the emblem of the Presidents of the Republic whose names are engraved on the reverse side of the medallions.
The current Fifth Republic collar was made upon the Museum’s initiative in 1953. It is this collar that is presented to the new President during the inaugural ceremony.
The First Empire collar had no statutory regulation and was thus worn by others besides the Emperor including princes in his family and several high dignitaries. It was designed by Dominique-Vivant Denon and manufactured by the silversmith Biennais. The symbols in the medallions represent the activities of the nation where Legion of Honour holders have excelled.
A new ornament, directly inspired by the first, was fabricated under the Third Republic. It became the emblem of the Presidents of the Republic whose names are engraved on the reverse side of the medallions.
The current Fifth Republic collar was made upon the Museum’s initiative in 1953. It is this collar that is presented to the new President during the inaugural ceremony.
Other Imperial Orders
Napoleon created three other orders of merit besides the Legion of Honour. The Order of the Iron Crown (1805) and the Order of Reunion (1811) did not survive the Empire. The military Order of the Three Fleeces (1809) disappeared with no registered nominations.
The First Empire
King Jerome’s writing desk and the cameo-like porcelain by Louis Parant are two of the prestigious works of art that provide some background to the history of the orders and decorations founded by the Emperor’s brothers. However, none of the distinctions founded by Joseph, King of Naples then of Spain, Louis, King of Holland, Jerome, King of Westphalia nor by his brother-in-law Joachim Murat, King of Naples, survived the Empire.
Two close collaborators of Napoleon are remembered through their priceless collections: Maréchal Berthier (court costume, breastplate and collar) and Arch-Chancellor Régis de Cambacérès (case containing 41 of his decorations).
Two close collaborators of Napoleon are remembered through their priceless collections: Maréchal Berthier (court costume, breastplate and collar) and Arch-Chancellor Régis de Cambacérès (case containing 41 of his decorations).
