11/8/13 Napoleon Crossing the Alps at Saint Bernard Pass, 1800 The painting of Napoleon Crossing the Alps at Saint Bernard Pass is truly a magnificent and unique work of art for its time. It is an oil painting on canvas which was painted by JacquesLouis David. The work was first started in October of 1800 and completed just four months later in January of 18011. However, there were a total of five different versions of the painting created, with the last version being completed in 1805. All five versions are located at several different locations throughout Europe. The work was painted at the Château de Malmaison, which at the time was a government building just outside of Paris, France. The painting is approximately 8’6” in height and 7’3” in width2. The work depicts General Napoleon Bonaparte horseback along with his troops traveling through the Alps while on a military campaign against the Austrians.3 Ironically, Napoleon didn’t actually lead his troops through the Alps but rather followed several days behind them for his own safety.4 There were many historical trends and forces after the French Revolution which played a roll in this particular work of art. Because of the upheaval that was occurring in France during the French Revolution, the country was vulnerable to threatening outside countries and armies. This influenced Napoleon to become part of the Consul. Shortly after the French Revolution,

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smarthistory.khanacademy.org/davids-napoleon-crossing-the-alps.html www.debate.org/reference/napoleon-crossing-the-alps smarthistory.khanacademy.org/davids-napoleon-crossing-the-alps.html

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www.napoleon.org/en/essential_napoleon/key_paintings/files/482581.asp

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Napoleon Bonaparte claimed himself as the new First Consul and eventually went on to become the emperor of France.5 This would be one of the political trends and influences of David’s painting of Napoleon. Napoleon Bonaparte wanted his image to be that of a powerful, brave ruler. When looking at the painting, you can see Napoleon mounted on his horse which its two front legs are jolted off the ground. Napoleon himself is shown being very calm and collected, signifying that he isn’t scared or a coward. He also is shown raising his right arm, perhaps to signify victory from battle. This also sends the viewers eyes in a series of paths that ultimately center Napoleon on his horse in the painting and create a sense of balance throughout the work.6 Behind Napoleon, you can see his army slowly walking up the steep mountains. They’re carrying a cannon as well as the national flag of France. This could signify that Napoleon’s army is powerful and keeps moving forward, no matter how difficult the challenge (in this case the terrain) is. David’s painting establishes a sense of authority towards the French people. Many historians argue that David’s painting of Napoleon is one of the many sources of propaganda from the 1800’s. In the painting, Napoleon is shown wearing expensive high quality clothing and is mounted on a powerful stallion. When in reality, Napoleon rode a mule through the Alps behinds his troops and also wore a simple grey coat. Charles IV, who was the King of Spain at the time, ordered the painting of Napoleon in the Alps to be made before news had reached the world that Napoleon and his troops had won their battle. King Charles IV wanted the painting to be hung with other important military leaders from recent history in the Royal Palace in Madrid to show their honor.

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Lastly, I believe Jacques-Louis David did a great job with this painting. After all, Napoleon was so pleased with it that he requested several other versions to be made. The painting does a great job of representing France’s new found power after the French Revolution and establishes a sense of authority and honor for the French people. I find the extensive detail and quality of the painting simply impressive. It is definitely a painting I would recommend other people see and read about.

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Works Cited Page

1) http://www.debate.org/reference/napoleon-crossing-the-alps

2) http://smarthistory.khanacademy.org/davids-napoleon-crossing-the-alps.html

3) http://www.napoleon.org/en/essential_napoleon/key_painting/files/482581.asp

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