Artwork: Napoleon Crossing the Alps

Artist: Jacques-Louis David

Created: 1801

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions: 272 x 230 cm

Location: Louvre, Paris, France “Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825) was the ultimate political artist. He was a fervent advocate of the French Revolution (1789-99), almost losing his life on the guillotine. Then, in the next wave of political events, he became an equally enthusiastic supporter of Napoleon Bonaparte, using this talent to glorify the new emperor. This painting commemorates Napoleon’s journey across the Alps in 1800, leading his army an the invasion of northern Italy. The scene was chosen by Bonaparte himself, and instructed the artist to show him “calm, mounted on a fiery steed.” The emperor’s features are idealized, largely because he refused to attend any sittings. As a result, David had to ask his son to sit on the top of ladder in order to capture the pose. The costume was more accurate, however, as the artist was able to borrow the uniform that Napoleon had worn at the Battle of Marengo (1800). First and foremost, David’s painting serves as an icon of imperial majesty. The horse’s mane and the emperor’s cloak, billowing wildly in a howling gale, lend a sense of grandeur to the composition while, carved on the rocks below, are the names of Hannibal and Charlemagne (Karolus Magnus) – two other victorious generals who had led their armies across the Alps. As with all the best propaganda, the truth was rather more prosaic. Napoleon had in actuality made the journey in fine weather conditions. Similarly, although David based the rearing horse on an equestrian statue of Peter the Great, in reality, Napoleon had ridden across the Alps on a mule.” (IZbyd)

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