The imperial Venus in Lucca – a living history experience

The imperial Venus in Lucca – a living history experience

he will be remembered as the favourite of Napoleon’sisters, as the emblem of beauty that inspired Canova the first nude portrait, as the protagonist of early XIXth century gossips, she is the Imperial Venus: Paolina Bonaparte. Her character has been portrayed in several biographies and movies, but no one will ever know what the real passions and pains of a young beautiful woman, who died as a diva when he was only 45, leaving the shadow of his elegance and charme behind. […]
I reached for Villa Paolina at night, when dozens of candles enlightened the path that led to the entrance. I could spot the marble statues in the penumbra almost sneaking at me when I passed by wearing in my XIXth century evening gown, hairdo perfectly curled up over my head and my eye mask.
I was not yet reached for the front door, when I heard the music of a valzer lingering in the air and glanced at the windows, where candles glittered in the dark were offering a scene as taken by Barry Lyndon’s movie. Read the full story on the Wall street International Mag