Plunder
Napoleon's Theft of Veronese's Feast

Read this book as part of the reading group I belong to at my local Museum of Art. I didn't know that Napoleon set out to plunder so much art as he slaughtered his way thru Europe, only to be outmatched by Hitler as he in turn slaughtered his way thru Europe. Napoleon sought to "liberate" fine art f......more

This book is incredibly interesting. The author takes on the subject of a particular painting, but also delves into the history of the time when this was acquired by Napoleon's army. It does not go into too much detail. I think she found the correct balance because if you do want more detail, you ca......more

This was a fascinating look at the role art can play in attempting to legitimize a new government, as the French Army conquered Europe and took art back to Paris. The Louvre was to become the center of arts in Europe, under first the Directorate and then Napoleon, and their idea was that all the wor......more

I read part of Plunder for my High Renaissance class last semester and was so intrigued that I checked the book out from my local library! This is a fascinating, thoroughly researched book. I was struck by how absolutely relevant this topic is today, as well. The argument that Napoleon employed to j......more

As the Russians are plundering the treasures of the Ukraine, this is a terrific look at art in the context of history. The author does a wonderful job of it, very readable.......more