Joséphine de Beauharnais

Joséphine de Beauharnais was a Frenchwoman who became the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, the renowned French military and political leader. Born in 1763, she was originally from a noble family and married a nobleman before her marriage to Napoleon in 1796. Although their marriage faced challenges and they eventually divorced, Joséphine remained an influential figure in Napoleon's life. She was known for her elegance, social grace, and support of the arts and charitable causes. Her status as Empress of the French from 1804 to 1810 marked her significant role in French history and the Napoleonic era.