Noble Blood: Napoleon's Brother Off Exit 7 Episode Summary
Introduction In the episode titled "Napoleon's Brother Off Exit 7" from the podcast series Noble Blood, host Dana Schwartz delves into the intriguing life of Joseph Bonaparte—the elder brother of the famed Napoleon Bonaparte. Produced by iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild, this episode explores Joseph's tumultuous journey from European royalty to American exile, highlighting his personal struggles, artistic passions, and the enduring legacy of his sprawling estate, Point Breeze, in Bordentown, New Jersey.
Early Life and Exile Joseph Bonaparte, born on January 7, 1768, in Corsica, was the eldest of eight children in the Bonaparte family. Although overshadowed by his younger brother Napoleon, Joseph held significant titles, serving as the reluctant philosopher-king of both Naples and Spain. Following Napoleon's defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, Joseph faced peril as a Bonaparte in a Europe no longer tolerant of his lineage. To escape potential retaliation, Joseph chose exile over imprisonment, embarking on a journey to the United States under the alias the Count de Servillier.
Establishing Life in America Upon arriving in New York City at the age of 47, Joseph faced the challenge of assimilating into American society while maintaining his aristocratic identity. Despite his efforts to blend in, his former titles and stature could not be concealed, leading to constant recognition by both Europeans and Americans alike. Unwilling to settle in a rented Philadelphia home, Joseph purchased the 1,800-acre estate of Point Breeze in Bordentown, New Jersey, in July 1816. This grand estate became the centerpiece of his American life, embodying his love for the arts and high culture.
"Point Breeze contained fine arts the likes of which the United States had never seen, including scandalous nudes and busts of the former French emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte." [05:30]
Personal Life: Marriage and Affairs Joseph's personal life was marked by both fidelity and infidelity. Married to Julie Clary since 1794, Joseph had two legitimate daughters, Zenaid and Charlotte. However, his refined tastes and charm also led to extramarital affairs, resulting in illegitimate children. His relationship with Anna Savage, whom he met in Philadelphia, produced two daughters, one of whom survived into adulthood. These personal complexities added layers of both happiness and turmoil to Joseph's otherwise cultured existence.
"Joseph loved all of his girls and would have happily stayed in the countryside with them alongside his arts and literature." [12:45]
The Great Fire of 1820 On a cold January night in 1820, disaster struck when a fire engulfed Point Breeze. As Joseph returned to his estate, he discovered his life's work ablaze. The flames threatened not only his vast collection of art and books but also his newly established legacy in America.
"His heart pounded as he rushed toward the fire. His first thought may have been to his wife back in France and to his two daughters who would never see the home that he had built in such ardent hopes that they would eventually join him here." [22:10]
In an inspiring display of community spirit, the Bordentown townsfolk formed an impromptu brigade to rescue Joseph's valuable possessions. This act of kindness deeply moved Joseph, reaffirming his faith in the American people despite his European aristocratic background.
"As the fire roared, Joseph's neighbors rescued almost all of his valuable possessions and returned them to him. This almost certainly included the famous painting of Napoleon crossing the Alps at the Great St Bernard by Jacques Louis David." [24:50]
Rebuilding and Later Years Undeterred by the devastation, Joseph swiftly began rebuilding Point Breeze. The estate continued to flourish as a hub for the arts, bolstered by Joseph's relentless pursuit of beauty and culture. However, personal losses weighed heavily on him. The delayed arrival of his wife Julie, due to her ill health and fear of sea voyages, left Joseph isolated. His family remained scattered, with his daughters Charlotte and Zenaid eventually relocating back to Europe.
Reunion and Decline In his later years, Joseph's health deteriorated. Tragedy struck again with the death of his beloved daughter Charlotte in 1839, leading to a debilitating stroke. Despite these hardships, a poignant reunion occurred in Florence, Italy, when Joseph was reunited with his wife Julie after 26 years of separation. Their final moments together were marked by enduring love and mutual support, culminating in Joseph's passing on July 28, 1844, in Julie's arms.
"After 50 years of marriage, they were reunited again. For only three Joseph Bonaparte had seen his wife, but he would never see his beloved France again." [26:30]
Legacy and Point Breeze Today Joseph Bonaparte's legacy endures through the preserved grounds of Point Breeze, now open to the public as a historical site. The Bordentown Historical Society maintains an exhibit showcasing artifacts from Joseph's life, including a lock of his hair and the famed painting of Napoleon. Visitors to Exit 7 of the New Jersey Turnpike can explore this piece of history, reflecting on the life of a king in exile who bridged two worlds through art, culture, and resilience.
"As for Joseph's magnificent estate Point Breeze, a Catholic mission called the Society of the Divine World bought the property in 1941 and held it for 70 years. In 2021, a land preservation trust worked with both the state and the town of Bordentown to buy the property and make it open to the public." [27:30]
Conclusion "Noble Blood: Napoleon's Brother Off Exit 7" paints a vivid picture of Joseph Bonaparte's complex life—balancing royalty and exile, personal joy and tragedy, and cultural ambitions in a foreign land. Through Dana Schwartz's meticulous storytelling, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the title, his enduring love for his family, and his significant yet often overlooked impact on American cultural history.
For more episodes of Noble Blood and other captivating historical narratives, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.