Josephine Bonaparte, born Marie Josèphe Rose Tascher de la Pagerie in 1763, was the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. She was born in Martinique and married a French army officer before becoming a prominent figure in Parisian society after her marriage to Napoleon in 1796. Josephine played a significant role in his rise to power and was known for her charm and elegance. As Empress of the French, Josephine was influential in the arts and fashion of her time. She was a patron of artists and helped establish the Empire style, which blended classical and modern elements. Despite their divorce in 1810, she remained an important figure in Napoleon's life until her death in 1814.