CHY 4U1 – Image Analysis
The Age of Napoleon – Napoleon Bonaparte
Discussing the Illustration:
1) After the fall of Robespierre, France was ruled mainly by a small group called the
Directory. Then in 1799, the man above took control of the government of France by force.
Can you name him?
2) After Robespierre, France seemed tired of the Terror and of constant efforts to change
everything – even the way people think and feel. The French seemed to long for a single,
strong leader again to keep order. Why do you think that was so?
3) Napoleon is seen here looking pensive and deep in thought. In some ways, Napoleon was
like France’s kings in the 1700s. But he also saw himself as protecting all of the big
changes of the French Revolution. In what ways do you think Napoleon to be like France’s
traditional kings? In what ways do you think this painting shows him to be different from
those kings?