Charlotte Bonaparte, “View of Lebanon,” 1824.
Courtesy, Ferris Olin Collection.

 

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After Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo in 1815, his niece, Charlotte Bonaparte (1802 - 1839), and her family were forced to flee their homeland, eventually settling in Bordentown, on a 1000-acre estate on the Delaware River named Point Breeze, where they lived from 1817-1832. Prior to her exile, Charlotte Bonaparte held the titles of Princess of France and Infanta of Spain. Unlike most American girls her age, Bonaparte was educated by private tutors and artists.  She sketched and painted early 19th century New Jersey scenes and landscapes. Bonaparte lived in New Jersey for only three years before returning to Europe.