Tow #10 - Napoleon Crossing the Alps (Jacques-Louis David)

In Napoleon Crossing the Alps (1805), Jacques-Louis David attempts to capture the moment when French leader Napoleon Bonaparte led his army across the Great St. Bernard’s Pass in May 1800. Bonaparte can be seen riding his horse in the foreground, while some of the men serving under him are in the background. The painting was commissioned by King Charles IV of Spain to be hung in a hall with other military leaders. Jacques-Louis David was chosen by the King because of his prestige in the genre of “History painting,” which focused on a portrait’s subject matter rather than on its artistic style. Most viewers celebrate the French painter for his classical style, helping his purpose, which is to show that Napoleon is not only a great military leader, but also a great man that should be revered. To prove this, David organizes the painting by placing Napoleon and his cape at the highest point. The top of his cape is even higher than the mountain, implying that he is larger than life. He is far more significant than his subordinates and even nature bows to his will, encouraging the audience to revere him. David also uses color to show Napoleon’s importance. While the rest of the landscape does not evoke much emotion, the horse Napoleon rides is specifically designed. It is bright white, intended to give off an angelic image. If Napoleon is riding an angel, he must be very powerful indeed. Finally, David alludes to the great military leader Hannibal by placing his name on a rock in the bottom left-hand corner. Many later military leaders strove to be like him, including Napoleon. Interestingly, Napoleon’s name is listed above Hannibal’s, and it is larger. This shows that Napoleon was an even better general than Hannibal. Ultimately, David accomplishes his purpose, as his combination of rhetorical devices forces the audience to recognize Napoleon’s daring and dashing heroism. After viewing the photo and without any background information on the famous dictator, a viewer would certainly believe him to be a wonderful man in all regards, especially in battle.