The Commission
Paul Delaroche the artist, painted the portrait in response to Jacques-Louis David’s theatrical and flattering portrait of Napoleon on a rearing stallion. Delaroche was commissioned by Arthur George, Third Earl of Onslow, to paint a more accurate image of Bonaparte’s journey through the Alps. The commission of the painting was not one done with anti-Napoleon intent but rather to show a more realistic and human side to Napoleon. This differs from the almost deity like depiction is the initial painting done by Jacques-Louis David.
The Setting
The setting of the portrait takes place in the Alps and more specifically through the Saint-Bernard Pass.
Overview
This painting is the second version of two portraits that depicts Napoleon
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Expressions Atop the mule within the portrait sits a despondent and forlorn looking Napoleon, wrapped in a greatcoat. Napoleon’s expression is one of a disturbed man. He is looking not what would be straight, but rather at whoever is looking at the painting. His look is a very serious and concerned one. He seems unnaturally unaffected by the gusts of the wind that are causing the snow to drift around him. However he seems uncomfortable his posture is poor, he is slumped forward on the mule not sitting up straight.
Furthermore, there is no observable evidence of Napoleon's wealth or status. He wields no weapon, he is not on a noble steed, and he is not at the head of a ferocious army. Rather, we see Napoleon who appears nearly helpless without a weapon being lead by a peasant on a lowly mule. He retains a piece of his dignity in the gold-trimmed black hat (named a bicorne) that he wears on his head. The mule Napoleon rides is undernourished, tired from its ordeal in struggling through the