… this young sister of Napoleon tore down ancient cathedrals to build palaces, such as one at Massa. She built aqueducts and spas.
In 1807, when Napoleon’s 2nd wife Marie-Louise left Tuscany having been the 3rd person to fail at ruling it, Napoleon gave it to Elise.
The result was a revolt, because instead of letting Elise run the country as she had her other ones, Napoleon required her to adhere to his rules. She wanted to nationalize all goods and close the clergy there. They argued about taxes and control. She failed, although she did continue her patronage of the arts and sciences.
She commissioned busts of all the Napoleon family commissioned in marble.
(Portrait: Elise in 1810)