Giuseppina Grassini
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Giuseppina Grassini
GIUSEPPINA GRASSINI An opera singer, and the lover to two of the most famous men of her age, Napoleon Bonaparte and the Duke of Wellington
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Media ID 608674
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10113390
1773 1850 Bonaparte Bonnet Lover Napoleon Opera Shawl Singer Wellington Giuseppina
EDITORS COMMENTS
This portrait captures the enigmatic beauty and charm of Giuseppina Grassini (1773-1850), an Italian opera singer who left an indelible mark on history with her romantic liaisons with two of the most famous men of her age: Napoleon Bonaparte and the Duke of Wellington. Born in Bologna, Italy, Grassini rose to fame as a leading soprano in the European opera scene. Her stunning voice and magnetic stage presence drew admirers from all walks of life, including the most powerful men of her time. The portrait shows Grassini in the prime of her career, dressed in an elegant 1850s costume, with a shawl draped over her shoulders and a bonnet adorned with feathers and ribbons resting on the chair beside her. The first of her famous lovers was Napoleon Bonaparte, whom she met in 1802 while performing in Paris. Their passionate affair lasted for several years, and Grassini is said to have inspired the emperor to write the famous line, "I love you, Giuseppina, more than my own mother." However, their relationship ended when Bonaparte was exiled to Elba, and Grassini married a wealthy Englishman, Sir George Villiers, in 1812. Despite her marriage, Grassini's heart still belonged to the stage, and she continued to perform in Europe's most prestigious opera houses. Her path crossed with the Duke of Wellington during a performance in London in 1814. The duke, who was known for his stern and disciplined demeanor, was reportedly captivated by Grassini's voice and beauty, and the two began an affair that lasted until her death in 1850. This portrait, taken in the later years of Grassini's life, captures the essence of a woman who lived a life filled with passion, romance, and artistic achievement. Her legacy as a legendary opera singer and a lover to two of history's most intriguing figures continues to captivate audiences to this day.
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