The artwork “Napoleon Crossing the Alps at the St Bernard Pass, 20th May 1800” is a resplendent example of Neoclassicism, embodied through the skilled brushwork of Jacques-Louis David. Completed circa 1800 – 1801, this oil on canvas measures 260 x 221 cm and is categorized as a history painting. It currently resides in the Château de Malmaison, Rueil-Malmaison, France, serving as a testament to a significant historic event and to the mastery of David in capturing the essence of his era.
The artwork depicts a vigorous Napoleon Bonaparte mounted on a rearing steed, exuding confidence and leadership. He is dressed in a smart uniform, adorned with the signs of his office, topped by a characteristic bicorn hat. Bonaparte’s cape billows dramatically behind him, adding a sense of movement and urgency to the scene. His steed is muscular and spirited, captured mid-motion with its mane and tail swept by the wind, signifying the fierce power and unhindered progress of the leader and his campaign.
In the background, the treacherous alpine landscape, dotted with tiny figures of soldiers and cannons, stretches behind Bonaparte, demonstrating the arduous conditions of the St. Bernard Pass, which his army successfully navigated. The artwork, with its vivid contrasts, the serene sky against the earthy tones of the mountainous terrain, and the dynamic composition of Napoleon’s presence, encapsulates the Neoclassical ideal of heroism and narrative drama. The rock in the lower left foreground proudly bears the inscription “BONAPARTE” along with “HANNIBAL” and “KAROLUS MAGNUS” (Charlemagne), aligning Napoleon with the legendary leaders of antiquity and the medieval period, further magnifying his stature as a historical figure of consequence.