At the beginning of the 19th century, Napoleon was considered the greatest soldier of his time by most people and the greatest of all by many. What we do know, is that the world was dominated by his personality when he was in power. There is no agreement as to whether France and Europe were better off or worse off as a result of his rule. Some historians have devoted their lives to studying what he did and how he did it. Over 200,000 books and many shorter works have been written about Napoleon. What do you think is missing from the scene?Ģ NAPOLEON Today and tomorrow we will trace the rise and fall of a leader who had a great impact on France, democracy, and Europe. Notice there is no dead soldiers or civilians. The red cape Napoleon wears, his white Arabian stallion. On the rock to the bottom left, for instance, the name of Napoleon is carved beside the names of Hannibal and Charlemagne, two other notable figures who led their troops over the Alps.
Bonaparte’s gloveless left hand points up towards the invisible summit, more for us to follow, one feels, than the soldiers in the distance. Before him to his left we see a mountain, while in the background, largely obscured by rocks, French troops haul along a large canon and further down the line fly the tricolore (the national flag of France). Napoleon is pictured astride a rearing Arabian stallion. The fact that Napoleon did not actually lead his troops over the Alps but followed a couple of days after them, travelling on a narrow path on the back of a mule is not the point! It is a portrait of authority. What better way, after all, to demonstrate Napoleon's ability than to wield power with sound judgment and composure.
Painted in 1800 by Jacques-Louis David In May 1800 he led his troops across the Alps in a military campaign against the Austrians which ended in their defeat in June Napoleon wanted an equestrian portrait: typical of royalty. Bernard/Napoleon Crossing the Alps"- Presentation transcript:ġ Napoleon at St.
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