# Charles Lucien Bonaparte

> French noble, biologist, politician and art collector (1803–1857)

**Wikidata**: [Q157521](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q157521)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Lucien_Bonaparte)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/charles-lucien-bonaparte

## Summary
Charles Lucien Bonaparte was a French noble, biologist, politician, and art collector (1803–1857). He made significant contributions to ornithology, ichthyology, and zoology, and served as a member of the French Academy of Sciences. His work in natural history and political roles shaped scientific and cultural discourse in 19th-century France.

## Biography
- Born: May 24, 1803, in Ajaccio, Corsica
- Nationality: French
- Education: Studied at the École Polytechnique and the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle
- Known for: Advancing ornithology, ichthyology, and zoology through scientific research and collections
- Employer(s): French Academy of Sciences, Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences, German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
- Field(s): Ornithology, ichthyology, zoology, politics

## Contributions
- **Ornithology**: Published *Iconographie Ornithologique* (1838–1843), a comprehensive illustrated guide to birds, which became a foundational work in ornithological research.
- **Ichthyology**: Contributed to the study of fish through his work with the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, documenting species and their habitats.
- **Political Career**: Served as a member of the French Academy of Sciences and held political positions, including roles in the government of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
- **Art Collection**: Amassed a significant collection of natural history specimens and artworks, which were later acquired by the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle.

## FAQs
**What was Charles Lucien Bonaparte's primary field of study?**
Bonaparte was a biologist specializing in ornithology, ichthyology, and zoology. His work focused on the systematic study of birds and fish, contributing to the scientific classification and documentation of these species.

**Where did Charles Lucien Bonaparte work?**
Bonaparte was affiliated with the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris, where he conducted research and contributed to scientific collections. He also held positions in the French Academy of Sciences and other academic institutions.

**What notable publications did Charles Lucien Bonaparte author?**
Bonaparte published *Iconographie Ornithologique* (1838–1843), an illustrated guide to birds that remains a significant reference in ornithology. He also contributed to ichthyological studies and political writings.

**What political roles did Charles Lucien Bonaparte hold?**
Bonaparte served as a member of the French Academy of Sciences and held political positions in the government of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, reflecting his dual career in science and governance.

## Why They Matter
Charles Lucien Bonaparte's work in ornithology and ichthyology laid the groundwork for modern systematic biology. His *Iconographie Ornithologique* became a standard reference, influencing generations of ornithologists. His political contributions also demonstrated the intersection of science and governance in 19th-century France. Bonaparte's legacy endures in the natural history collections he helped establish and the scientific principles he advanced.

## Notable For
- **Foundational Ornithology Work**: Authored *Iconographie Ornithologique*, a landmark publication in ornithological research.
- **Scientific Collections**: Amassed a significant collection of natural history specimens at the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle.
- **Political Engagement**: Served in the French Academy of Sciences and held government positions, bridging science and politics.
- **Academic Influence**: Collaborated with prestigious institutions such as the Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences and the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Charles Lucien Bonaparte was born on May 24, 1803, in Ajaccio, Corsica. He studied at the École Polytechnique and the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, where he developed a passion for natural history and science.

### Scientific Contributions
Bonaparte's primary contributions were in ornithology and ichthyology. His *Iconographie Ornithologique* (1838–1843) was a groundbreaking illustrated guide to birds, featuring detailed descriptions and illustrations. He also conducted extensive research on fish, contributing to the systematic study of ichthyology.

### Political Career
Bonaparte held political positions, including roles in the government of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. He served as a member of the French Academy of Sciences, reflecting his dual career in science and governance.

### Art Collection and Legacy
Bonaparte amassed a significant collection of natural history specimens and artworks. His collection was later acquired by the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, enriching its scientific resources. His legacy endures in the natural history collections he helped establish and the scientific principles he advanced.

## References

1. Charles-Lucien Bonaparte, prince di Canino e di Musignano. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
2. www.accademiadellescienze.it
3. [death certificate](https://archives.paris.fr/arkotheque/visionneuse/visionneuse.php?arko=YTo2OntzOjQ6ImRhdGUiO3M6MTA6IjIwMjUtMDUtMjYiO3M6MTA6InR5cGVfZm9uZHMiO3M6MTE6ImFya29fc2VyaWVsIjtzOjQ6InJlZjEiO2k6Mzk7czo0OiJyZWYyIjtpOjE5ODU1NjtzOjE2OiJ2aXNpb25uZXVzZV9odG1sIjtiOjE7czoyMToidmlzaW9ubmV1c2VfaHRtbF9tb2RlIjtzOjQ6InByb2QiO30=#uielem_move=0%2C0&uielem_islocked=0&uielem_zoom=35&uielem_brightness=0&uielem_contrast=0&uielem_isinverted=0&uielem_rotate=F)
4. BnF authorities
5. Integrated Authority File
6. The Peerage
7. Bionomia
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. [Source](http://www.rac.es/2/2_ficha.php?id=504)
11. SNAC
12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Bonaparte%20Charles%20Lucian%20)
15. Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani
16. La France savante
17. LIBRIS. 2012
18. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
19. [Bionomia](https://bionomia.net/dataset/821cc27a-e3bb-4bc5-ac34-89ada245069d)