Napoleon Crossing the Alps - 1800-1801
Napoleon Crossing the Alps
Jacques-Louis David
Object record
Genre
Culture
French
Period
Neoclassicism
Date
1800-1801
About
Commissioned by the King of Spain, Napoleon Crossing the Alps is a masterpiece of political propaganda by Jacques-Louis David. The series of five equestrian portraits depicts a highly idealized, heroic Napoleon Bonaparte leading his troops across the Great St-Bernard Pass in May 1800. Rejecting realistic sittings, David focused on capturing Napoleon's character and genius, utilizing a rearing horse inspired by Falconet's Bronze Horseman. The resulting image remains one of the most famous and widely reproduced portraits of Napoleon in art history.
Alternate title
Le Premier Consul franchissant les Alpes au col du Grand Saint-Bernard
Signature(s)
L. DAVID YEAR IX (on Malmaison and Charlottenburg versions)
Inscription(s)
BONAPARTE, HANNIBAL, and KAROLVS MAGNVS IMP. engraved on rocks in the foreground.
Type of work
Equestrian portrait, Painting
Material
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
H: 261 x W: 221 cm
Collection
Provenance
The original version was commissioned by Charles IV of Spain in 1800 to hang in the Royal Palace of Madrid. Plundered by Joseph Bonaparte in 1812, it was taken to the United States (Point Breeze, NJ) and remained with his descendants until 1949, when Eugénie Bonaparte bequeathed it to the Château de Malmaison.
Institution
Location
Rueil-Malmaison, 92500, France
Accession
MM.40.47
Copyright status
Public Domain
Copyright
Jacques-Louis David, Napoleon Crossing the Alps, 1801. Oil on canvas. Musée National du Château de Malmaison.
References
Creator links
Authority files
- https://musees-nationaux-malmaison.fr/chateau-malmaison/collection/objet/le-premier-consul-franchissant-les-alpes-au-col-du-grand-saint-bernard
- https://www.napoleon.org/en/history-of-the-two-empires/paintings/bonaparte-crossing-the-great-st-bernard-pass/
Literature
- https://www.thecollector.com/napoleon-italian-campaign-guide/
- https://www.thecollector.com/napoleon-life-locations/
Tags
Equestrian PortraitFrench ArtJacques-Louis DavidNapoleon BonaparteNeoclassicismPropaganda
