From a sword encrusted with 2,300 diamonds to a solid gold star, see how the French Army Museum explores relationship between luxury and power.
POWER TRIP: How do you manage to convey elegance while sticking to strict military rules? Adding a Hermès leather belt to an officer’s thick wool peacoat is one option; carrying a crystal sword made by Baccarat is another.
“The military profession has always had strong ties to the question of appearance,” said Olivier Renaudeau, head of the Ancient department at the French army museum. “By definition, a member of the military has a particular status that differentiates him from the mass of civilians he is supposed to defend. This exhibition aims to show that the use of luxury on military uniforms is not a whim, but answers specific needs.
The first section of the exhibition focuses on how military apparel is a representation of political power. A tiny armor stands in one of the glass cabins: It was gifted by the French city of Moulins to Louis XIII when the future king was just three years old. The sovereign, despite being far too young to be on the battlefield, still had the right kit just in case.Some pieces are a testament to artisanal skill, defying all notions of practicality.
As well as being used as manifestations of high rank, luxury items were useful to convey respect and cooperation. One of the exhibition’s standout pieces is a monumental horse harness decorated with coral and lapis lazuli, a trophy captured by a soldier during the battle of Egypt in 1798 and brought back to Napoleon Bonaparte as a gesture of respect. The harness used to be worn by a specific branch of Egyptian fighters who believed wearing all their fortune to combat would help them win.
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