Name: __________________________________
Date: ______________
Political Portraits of Napoleon Bonaparte
“Nobody knows if the portraits of the great men resemble them, it is enough that their genius
lives there.” – Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon Bonaparte was a master of political propaganda (information used to promote a
particular political cause or point of view). As Napoleon’s position rose from First Consul to that
of Emperor, he demanded art that legitimized his power and glorified the Empire. He
commissioned many images of himself as statesman, tireless administrator, military genius and
semi-divine monarch. Napoleon’s deeds were turned into the stuff of heroic legend: leading
conquering armies across the mountains, and visiting the wounded or plague-stricken.
Examine the three paintings portraying different aspects of Napoleon’s leadership. Read
the following descriptions of each painting and consider how these particular images
legitimized and glorified Napoleon’s rule. Answer the questions below each painting in
complete sentences.
Painting #1 – Bonaparte Visits the Plague Stricken in Jaffa, 1804, Antoine-Jean Gros
1. What sort of qualities does Napoleon seem to possess according to this painting?
2. Do you think these qualities are important for a political leader to possess? Why or why
not?
3. Napoleon had declared himself Emperor shortly before this painting was created. What
might he have been trying to achieve by commissioning this painting? How might it have
been used for propaganda purposes?
Painting #2 - Napoleon Crossing the Alps, 1801, Jacques-Louis David
4. How do you perceive Napoleon as a leader based on David’s painting? Does he seem
capable/strong/determined/etc.?
5. What do you think David’s purpose was in associating Napoleon’s name with other
famous men who had led their troops over the Alps?
Painting #3 – Napoleon I on his Imperial Throne, 1806, Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres
6. What adjectives would you use to describe how Napoleon is portrayed here?
7. Why is Ingres’ inspiration for Bonaparte’s positioning and posture in the portrait
important? What qualities do those particular inspirations add to Napoleon?
8. Does such an image embody the original Enlightenment values of the Revolution? Why
or why not?