1801, Jacques Louis David, Napoleon at the Great St. Bernhard Pass -- Belvedere Palace (Vienna)
From the museum label: In this aggrandizing propaganda image, Jacques Louis David depicts Napoleon as a mighty warrior leading the French troops across the Great St. Bernhard Pass in May 1800. The campaign aimed to reconquer Piedmont and Lombardy, a goal achieved when the French army was victorious at the Battle of Marengo. There are four versions of this work; this particular painting was intended for Milan. As part of the heroic presentation of the general, the artist replaced Napoleon's mount—a mule—with a rearing horse. Marching onward beneath the steed's hooves are Napoleon's soldiers. Names carved into the rocks show the French ruler as following in the footsteps of Hannibal and Charlemagne.
1801, Jacques Louis David, Napoleon at the Great St. Bernhard Pass -- Belvedere Palace (Vienna)
From the museum label: In this aggrandizing propaganda image, Jacques Louis David depicts Napoleon as a mighty warrior leading the French troops across the Great St. Bernhard Pass in May 1800. The campaign aimed to reconquer Piedmont and Lombardy, a goal achieved when the French army was victorious at the Battle of Marengo. There are four versions of this work; this particular painting was intended for Milan. As part of the heroic presentation of the general, the artist replaced Napoleon's mount—a mule—with a rearing horse. Marching onward beneath the steed's hooves are Napoleon's soldiers. Names carved into the rocks show the French ruler as following in the footsteps of Hannibal and Charlemagne.