Josephine Bonaparte, born Rose Tascher de la Pagerie, was Napoleon Bonaparte's first wife and Empress of the French from 1804 to 1809. Remembered for her grace and elegance, she played an active role in French politics and society and patronized the arts and fashion. However, Napoleon's desire for an heir and his political ambitions led to their divorce in 1809, and she retained the title Empress Josephine until her death in 1814. Despite their separation, she remained loyal to Napoleon, famously saying, "My destiny was to shine, but the sun has set."
