Napoleon And David

            
             Napoleon wanted his time to be distinguished in all areas including the arts. Napoleon gave artists a sustained patronage, which allowed for the production of a large volume of work during his reign. Painters particularly favored by Napoleon the most were David. David painted in a Neo-classical style. He painted many pictures that glorified the French Revolution and later, glorifying Napoleon. His works were distinguished by color and drama. He is regarded as one of the leading figures in the development of Romanticism. Napoleon influenced in part the development of the Romantic Movement. Individualism was an important trait of Romanticism. Napoleon was a self-made man, the prime example of will and intelligence overcoming great obstacles. He was admired and respected by many great figures of his time. Even if they did not like him they respected his achievements. Many artists of the time found him to be an interesting subject, and a large volume of works of art were created during his lifetime.
             David took pleasure in portraying Napoleon's greatness and even embellishing and enhancing it. David painted him in a positive light even thought they did not personally view him that way. However not all artists depicted him in a positive light. Of course many people resented or even hated Napoleon, particularly those from countries that he had conquered. Most of the negative portrayals of Napoleon can be found in the art form known as caricature. Caricature is a cartoon-like drawing in which the subjects features are exaggerated to produce a grotesque or comic effect. The purpose of the artists of these negative caricatures was to destroy Napoleons image.
             Crossing the Alps is a painting that makes Napoleon look strong and able.
             Placing him on a horse, one that is rearing up, increases his height. The troops in the background are comparatively very small. The horse looks wild-eyed making Napoleon look to be a powerful man, controlling a wild animal.