In this free course, Napoleonic paintings, we will examine a range of Napoleonic imagery by David, Gros and a number of other artists, beginning with comparatively simple single-figure portraits and moving on to elaborate narrative compositions, such as Jaffa and Eylau. In so doing, we will have three main aims: to develop your skills of visual analysis; to examine the relationship between art and politics; and to introduce you to some of the complex issues involved in interpreting works of art.
Overview
Syllabus
- Introduction
- Learning outcomes
- 1 Paintings at the Louvre
- 1 Paintings at the Louvre
- 1.1 The state as patron
- 2 The portrait of Napoleon
- 2 The portrait of Napoleon
- 2.1 The general
- 2.2 Hero or great man?
- 2.3 The military leader
- 2.4 The First Consul
- 2.5 The emperor
- 2.6 The portrayal of traditional symbols of power
- 2.7 Legitimating the regime
- 3 Gros and the Napoleonic propaganda machine
- 3 Gros and the Napoleonic propaganda machine
- 3.1 The limits of propaganda
- 3.1.1 Bonaparte Visiting the Plague-Stricken of Jaffa
- 3.2 The propaganda function of Jaffa
- 3.3 The use of religious imagery
- 3.4 Editing out warfare
- 3.5 Napoleon Visiting the Field of the Battle of Eylau
- 3.5.1 Denon's account of Eylau
- 3.6 Supporting Napoleon's bulletins
- 4 The Decennial Competition of 1810
- 4 The Decennial Competition of 1810
- 4.1 Inspiring loyalty to the leader
- 4.2 Purpose of the Decennial Competition
- 5 Conclusion
- 5 Conclusion
- References
- Acknowledgements
