Napoleon on the Bridge at Arcole

Lauren Tovey

Napoleon on the Bridge at Arcole

        The artist of the piece was painted by Antoine-Jean Gros (1771-1836). The battle was fought November 15-17 of 1796, but the painting was finished in 1997. The artist used oil paints on canvas. It is a neoclassical piece of art.

        The painting shows Napoleon Bonaparte, who was at the head of the French Army that was stationed in Italy. Napoleon never actually crossed the bridge at Arcole. He won the battle, although he lost 4,000-4,500 men.

        I couldn’t find if this piece was made under the patronage system or the market system. But I think that it is more likely that it was made under the patronage system. I assume that Napoleon himself, may have been the patron. The artist Gros, was actually at the Battle of Arcole. The intended audience was probably the those who were under him, those who looked up to him.

        The artwork was definitely supposed to show Bonaparte as a hero of sorts or savior, having just won the battle, leading the troops to victory. The artist tries to capture the strength and leadership that he sees Bonaparte as having.

        The artist captures this by the look on Napoleons face. He looks intense, he is also not looking at the viewer. He’s looking elsewhere, possible at the battle. He’s got his sword in hand, which shows that he is ready to fight. He’s also got the flag in his other hand, which shows his patriotism. Also the flag that is tied around his waist, French colors, again showing patriotism. He is also wearing his uniform, which I’m sure is the uniforms that the Generals or the higher ups wore, this gives him his authority. He also stands out against the background. The background is kind of foggy like a war is being fought. And the light just seems to fall on Bonaparte which again adds to that savior or hero like quality.