In the reservoir of history, kingdoms can exist by their riches alone. Egyptian pharaohs, Greek kings and Roman emperors have all been defined at one time or another solely by their wealth. However, just as easy as it is to define dynasties by such treasures, it is equally rare to see this opulence in person due to decay, pilfering or destruction by the corrosion of time and tampering. Be not dismayed, though, as the Saint Louis Art Museum is hosting a particularly enticing exhibit for those seeking the type of bounties hereof. Symbols of Power: Napoleon and the Art of the Empire Style, 1800-1815 is an exposition of the style and art established during, but not necessarily defining Napoleon’s empire.

Rarely outside of France, this exhibition-en route to Boston and Paris-is made possible by the American Federation of Arts, an organization working in partnership with national and international museums to introduce and produce exceptionally enriching exhibitions around the world, and Les Arts D?coratifs, a particularly distinguished institution composed of museums, schools and workshops based within Paris. This presentation is also supported by the Joseph and Sylvia Slifka Foundation, Inc., Samuel H. Kress Foundation and an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.

The 140 pieces contained within the survey include furniture, silver, jewelry, clothing, textiles, wallpaper and sculpture created during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte from around 1800 to 1815. Historically, this was the period in which the United States made the Louisiana Purchase from Napoleon in 1803, a time during which he was seeking money to fuel his numerous conflicts.

Napoleon, working with his designers Percier and Fontaine, endorsed ancient symbols of regal dignity and greatness utilized by the ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman cultures during this period, associating the majesty of his empire with those heralded of old.

One particular piece, the guilded steel cuirass modeled after the same that would adorn ancient Roman emperors, embodies this concept, depicting Napoleon as Mars, the god of war, on the chest portion of the breastplate. Another theme perforating many of the pieces is the association of empress Josephine with the concepts of sexuality and allurement, bringing a sense of both power and femininity to the empire’s image.

This “style was intended to replace the decadence of arts under the monarchy and the simplicity of style that followed the revolution,” says the press release provided by the museum. “Bold forms, strong color and monumental scale conveyed imperial grandeur.”

The style is exactly that. The gold in many of the pieces shimmers with elegance unseen in this century, and the crimson red is that telltale chroma of kings attempting to surround their selves with comfort derived from the grunt and blood of war. Many of the pieces brim with life and make one giddy with reverence for history, a reverence rarely projected at the many mundane, plastic contraptions that will more than likely divide this era from the previous.

This invaluable opportunity to be close to and enrich one’s self with the many aesthetics produced from the gut of history should not be casually cast aside by the average student as it is a precious resource to confront an important part of the past that reflects how we, as humans, have defined our world.

This event is open from June 17 to Sept. 16 at the Saint Louis Art Museum, located in the middle of Forest Park near the bronze statue of Saint Louis. Although admission to the museum itself is free, admission to this event costs $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors and $6 for children aged 6-12, but is free to all on Fridays.