Barbie Empress Josephine Doll Gold Label Mattel 2005 No. G8051 NRFB

In tribute to this intriguing royal, Barbie doll wears an extraordinary empire-style gown, created of satin and embellished with golden braid and fringe, and matched with a rich red, velvet robe lined with extravagant faux ermine. Faux pearl jewelry suite and silvery crown and tiara set with crystals are fit for a queen!

She was the great love of Napoleon Bonaparte and adored by the people of France. Marie Josèphe Rose Tascher de la Pagerie was born in 1763 in Les Trois-Îlets on the island of Martinique in the West Indies. Daughter of Joseph-Gaspard de Tascher, lieutenant of infantry of the navy, her family was royal, although not wealthy. At age 16, she left her home to enter an arranged marriage in France. Her husband, Alexandre de Beauharnais, died during the Revolution. It was then, in the social whirlwind of Paris, that she met a dashing Major-General in the French Army, Napoleon Bonaparte. In just four months, he fell passionately in love with the beautiful widow. Enamored by her grace and charm, he felt she embodied the essence of femininity and renamed her Josephine. On March 9,1796, they were wed. Two days later, he left to conquer Europe and begged her to follow. In May 1804, Napoleon was named Emperor and, seven months later, a coronation was held at Notre Dame Cathedral to crown Josephine Empress. Tragically, Josephine could not give her husband an heir, and so he was forced to annul their marriage. In 1812, still revered by the French people, the Empress retired to her favorite home, Malmaison, and her beloved rose gardens. Even then, though, Napoleon's great love never waned. Upon hearing of her death, he wrote "Josephine is the only woman I have ever truly loved. She reigns in my heart and I mourn for her." In tribute to this intriguing royal, Barbie doll wears an extraordinary empire-style gown, created of satin and embellished with golden braid and fringe, and matched with a rich red, velvet robe lined with extravagant faux ermine. Faux pearl jewelry suite and silvery crown and tiara set with crystals are fit for a queen!
 

Gold Label - Women of Royalty Collection - Doll stand included. - Made in China. - For the adult collector, age 14 and over.

The box has minor wear, creases and scuffing. Some of the gold coloring on the bottom of the box has come off. Please zoom in on the photos to get the most accurate representation of the item.