Another version of 'Napoleon Crossing The Alps' but nearer to the truth
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (382688)
Rockingham, Australia
May 15, 2023 7:47pm CST
Recently, I put up a photo of a painting of Napoleon on a fiery steed. It is one of a series of five painted by Jacques-Louis David between 1801 and 1805. It is entitled ‘Napoleon Crossing The Alps’ but, in reality, the crossing was made in fine weather with Napoleon mounted on a mule and being led.
The painting was originally commissioned by the King of Spain. David was keen to paint an equestrian scene and Napoleon decreed it should show him ‘calm, mounted on a fiery steed’. He refused to sit for the artist who eventually worked from a bust. His belief was that a painting should be a representation of the person’s character rather than their physical appearance. Hence this glorified series of paintings came into being.
The painting accompanying this is by Paul Delaroche, another French artist. The work was inspired by David’s paintings but is more akin to the reality.
19 people like this
17 responses
@RebeccasFarm (91297)
• United States
16 May 23
He was truly a snotty little sod wasn't he that Napolean?
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382688)
• Rockingham, Australia
22 May 23
@RebeccasFarm It's a shame that some, when they get into power, become so arrogant and boastful.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (51843)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
16 May 23
Why did Napoleon cross the Alps? To get to the other side? 
Sorry
Sorry1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (51843)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
16 May 23
@JudyEv He wanted to surprise the Austrian army in Italy... now, what was the Austrian army doing in Italy?
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382688)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 May 23
@BarBaraPrz Well you might ask.
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@allen0187 (59818)
• Philippines
16 May 23
Really depends on what side of the world you were born if he was a hero or a villain.
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (59818)
• Philippines
17 May 23
@JudyEv in senior high I did a report on Napoleomn Bonaparte for my World History subject.
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@JudyEv (382688)
• Rockingham, Australia
18 May 23
@allen0187 He would have been an interesting subject surely.
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@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
21 May 23
This is quite an interesting painting. I think that if someone sees such paintings without any guidance, one might conclude something else.
Napoleon was an interesting character. Someone else in his place might have sat for an artistic representation.
1 person likes this
@psanasangma (7910)
• India
16 May 23
Wow ! This painting looks fresh and new one. It must be hard to walk, ascend or descend the icy mountains
1 person likes this
@JESSY3236 (22286)
• United States
16 May 23
I think all portraits done back in the day weren't done to represent a person's appearance. I think most of them were enhanced.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222978)
• United States
16 May 23
It looks really miserable there but probably authentic.
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@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
20 May 23
Yes, Napoleon on a mule just would not do. Although Napoleon's being as stubborn as a mule for not sitting for a portrait makes me reconsider. Perhaps a mule is the perfect animal for military leader to be painted on.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (209256)
• United States
16 May 23
I bet Napoleon quite liked the fake painting.
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@Beestring (15372)
• Hong Kong
16 May 23
That's a nice painting. It makes sense choosing a mule to cross the Alps.
1 person likes this
