Napoleon III handing over to Baron Haussmann the decree to annex the neighboring communes on February 16, 1859. The Emperor presents to Haussmann the plan of annexation of the Communes, Adolphe Yvon, 1865

In an attempt to improve the economic conditions of the parisian suburbs, on february 16, 1859, napoleon iii presented the decree for the annexation of 11 parisian communes, that happened january 1, 1860. The addition eventually resulted in a major increase in population that demanded a geographical adjustment: paris would no longer comprised of 12 but rather 20 arrondissements. Artist adolphe yvon was commissioned by the conseil municipal to document the event, but his painting was initially rejected for not emphasizing the prestige of the conseil municipal. He created a second work that was accepted, only to be destroyed in 1871 when the palais de tuileries burnt down. The original painting (shown here) is the only one that remains today. It is on display at the musée carnavalet in paris. Object Type: painting. Genre: history painting. Date: 1865. Dimensions: height: 327 cm (10.7 ft); width: 230 cm (90.5 in). Medium: oil on canvas. Depicted People: Napoleon III, Baron Haussmann. Collection: Musée Carnavalet. Adolphe Yvon - Haussmann présente à l'Empereur le plan d'annexion des Communes