Hortense de Beauharnais was born on April 10, 1783, in Paris, France. She was the daughter of Joséphine de Beauharnais, the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. Hortense became a prominent figure in French society and married Louis Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother, in 1802. As a queen consort of Holland, she played a significant role in the cultural life of her time, promoting the arts and education. Hortense was also the mother of Napoleon III, who later became the Emperor of the French. She is remembered for her contributions to the arts and her influence within the Bonaparte family.