Jacques-Louis David
Napoleon Crossing the Alps
1801
Jacques-Louis David first painted 'Napoleon Crossing the Alps' in 1801 for King Charles IV of Spain, and produced five more versions. The picture idealises Napoleon's 1800 crossing of the Great St Bernard Pass ahead of the Battle of Marengo, showing him astride a rearing white stallion in a billowing red cloak, his outstretched hand leading the army forward. The names HANNIBAL, KAROLUS MAGNUS, and BONAPARTE inscribed on the rock align him with the two most famous predecessors to cross the Alps. It is one of the definitive images of Napoleonic propaganda.
Exhibition Venue
Image source: Added by operations team