Question

In 1800, Napoleon led his reserve army across the Alps into Italy to fight Austrian forces that had laid siege to Genoa. Although Genoa had fallen by the time Napoleon had reached it, the crossing led to a series of important military victories for Napoleon. Review the two paintings of Napoleon. Both paintings include figures of people other than Napoleon. What do the different treatments of these figures suggest about the painters' purposes in the two portraits?

Answer 1

Due to the fact that the paintings portray a view of heroism and victory in terms of the atmosphere and feeling that it gives off, one would assume that the outcome of these battles were a positive one, given the light in which they are painted and portrayed within.

Answer 2

Napoleon's two paintings depicting this moment were made by Jacques-Louis David and Paul Delaroche. The two paintings, while depicting the same moment when Napoleon is crossing the Alps, have different meanings and provoke different sensations in the viewer.

David's painting depicts Napoleon extremely admirable, he looks strong, happy and unbeatable on his horse. The painting gives a sense of achievement as Napoleon seems victorious, haughty and a great leader. On the other hand, Delaroche's Painting presents Napoleon in a more humble way, with a tired appearance and without much cheer. With so many victorious and defeated battles, Napoleon was an ordinary human being who feels tired and discouraged at times.