David developed an image of Napoleon as an authority figure that could still be humble and represent the working class. A different painter composed a representation of Napoleon in splendid royalty. There were many symbols of art used to portray that Napoleon’s rule was divine, purposeful, and somehow “meant by the Gods”, This work was done by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1780-1867). Painted at the beginning of his career Napoleon I on His Imperial Throne (1806) is an aggrandized portrait of Napoleon enthroned. It is known that Ingres drew on classical sources, specifically an engraved Roman gem with a depiction of Jupiter for the pose of the piece. Ingres painted Napoleon as royalty in his coronation robes, with the sword and crown of …show more content…
Charlemagne (O’ Brien 2004). Leading up the steps to Napoleon’s throne are carpeted steps. The carpet reaches the base of the throne, representing the image of the Imperial eagle, with a perimeter of zodiac medallions. The eagle, symbolizes Imperial Rome, Jupiter and Charlemagne. Also, portrayed are the astrological signs Pisces and Taurus, with Scorpio, Libra and Virgos. Scorpio, at the bottom refers to the Coup of November 9, 1799 the event that brought Napoleon to power. Taurus refers to the date of his proclamation as Emperor on May 14, 1804. A firm believer in the destiny of the stars, Napoleon was more than satisfied with these symbols to portray the image of his rule as being preordained or “written in the stars”. He is portrayed as raised “above the world” of mere mortals, seated on his imperial throne. He sits with his gold slippered foot stretched out on a cushion of imperial purple velvet worked in gold thread with images of thunderbolts, proclaiming his Jove-like might. While Ingres used art to portray Napoleon as a God, this was contrasting to the image that David created of one as a ruler amongst the people. Many critics proclaimed that Ingres’ work attempted to paint him as another king of the earliest dynasty (NGV 2012). The arts and publication were evolving, now put into the eyes and hands of the common people. Napoleon described France in his memoirs as having a very low literacy rate (96 percent illiterate). Yet literacy was reaching closer to 37 percent. It has been noted that only 50 percent of soldiers enlisting could sign their name. As the French were growing hungry for knowledge, literacy, and self-competence he was keen enough to see this as opportunity and put himself front and center in almost all forms of literacy, publication, and the arts. Seeing how the literacy rate was still low he focused especially on his art pieces to get his point across to reach those who could not read the newspapers, whom were still learning to read and write. He took over all of the publications and media for that time (Publish History Blog 2013). Napoleon used propaganda and censorship to his regime and control like no other French monarch had before him. How did he do this? It is said that in a letter to the Directory dated the 15th of July 1797 when he reached his troops in Milan he made a complaint and demanded that the government “break up the presses of the paper that are in English pay.” He then ordered his chief of staff to “prevent the introduction into the army of any newspaper intending to spread discouragement, to incite the soldiers to desert or lessen their enthusiasm for the cause of liberty.” He also had one said author exiled because she was a prominent critique of his abuse/ misuse of the arts, cultural domain. She claimed he limited the freedom of the individual. She also questioned his patriarchal ideologies. She was exiled in 1802 for more than 10 years (Jensen pg.161) He set up his own newspapers to counter negative propaganda and in total he created six newspapers between 1797-8 (Publish History Blog 2013) They mostly reflected his political views but many were written by himself. For example, one article warned that the Clichyens “did not act alone, they had their auxiliaries in every department.” And that “one vast plan was organized” to seize power. The masses tend to believe what the media tells them, especially back then. What made Napoleon so powerful was his way to influence all areas of society. He saw the rise of literacy and the use of arts as a way to develop an image of himself and not just to the common people and soldiers but also to the intellectuals. In his Egyptian campaign he won favour from 200 mathematicians, astrologers, architects, engineers, painters, and many other high level thinkers. His two additional newspapers “Courrier de’lEgypte” and “Decade Egyptian” also helped further his image to that not only of a soldier, but an enlightened figure as well. This use of propaganda to influence the intellectuals furthered his support by making him appear as a man void of political corruption and more than capable of handling intellectual issues (Publish History Blog 2012). Napoleon used art and painting to display himself as an intellectual and soldier.
He wanted to be seen as a man capable of all walks of life. The Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries did just this. Jacque-Louis David created a masterpiece showing Napoleon standing three quarters life in size in uniform of a colonel with decorations, white stockings, his face towards the viewer and his right hand in his jacket. Napoleon’s unbuttoned cuffs, wrinkled stockings, dishevelled hair, and flickering candles were all meant to create an image of not just physical power and might but that also of intellectual power and might. The word “Code” stands out on the rolled papers upon his desk. This maintains his new civil, rather than military image (Kryn, 2015). At the end of his life his artwork began to give a true reflection of himself. The iconic image displayed of him working until the candles were burned down low was a very precise deliverance to the public of what was going on in his life. It was said that he was a man of great stamina and would work 18-20 hours a day and go days in a row without sleep. Towards the end of his life his push and drive began to take its toll on his mental and physical health. He is said to have suffered from delusions and bladder and bowel problems. His artwork of him in his study helped convince the French to accept his written masterpiece called “The Code”, a list of societal rules to
follow.
From this announcement, Napoleon competes for equivalent rights to keep the general population cheerful and not revolt. He instructs strategies to a solid tenet to his sibling. Napoleon, himself more likely than not utilized these strategies effectively before showing them to his sibling. Depicting him as force hungry is
I don't know if you have noticed but Napoleon has recently been getting into some human habits like sleeping in a bed, drinking alcohol and talking to humans. There is only one way he could have picked
His campaigns are studied at military academies all over the world. One of Napoleon’s quotes states, "A leader is a dealer in hope." He also stated, "He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat." Although he was considered a tyrant by his opponents, he is also remembered for the establishment of the Napoleonic Code, which helped lay judicial foundations for Western Europe.
Napoleon Bonaparte ruled in France from 1789 to 1815. Napoleon came to power in 1789 and immediately became a powerful figure in the French government. However, some thought Napoleon was such a great leader. The Napoleonic Empire started to grow France’s territories. Some might have believed that Napoleon was too eager with his rule, while losing and failing to succeed against the power of England, in an attempt to blockade their trade, and of Russia, where he led his army to a defeat and retreat back to France. Even in his success over Spain, the battle still costed Napoleon and his army in men and resources. Napoleon was mostly viewed as a powerful and militaristic leader in some aspects, but others saw him as a coward and terrible leader in other ways.
Throughout centuries, history has presented to life a plethora of individuals who would then impact the world by means of various arduous missions and accomplishments. While certain people are extolled for their grandiloquent changes to society, others may become infamous for imperiling humankind. However, within history lies a character who is interposed between approbation and being loathed, whose name is Napoléon Bonaparte. This particular person was a French leader who ruled as an emperor in 1804 and had performed numerous tasks across his lifetime. As a commander, he performed remarkably when concerning lawmaking, nationalism, military bearing, and restoring order to France.
An Historiography Review of Napoleon failed invasion of Russia using Clausewitz and Theodore Evault Dodge books
David was born to a wealthy family in France and became passionate about art. After many attempts to win the Prix de Rome, David was awarded the scholarship in 1774 and moved to Rome to study art at the academy. The time spent here in Rome was a major influence on the subject matter of many David paintings. After returning home to France David was inspired by Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Social Contract where Rousseau appealed for a new form of governmental structure. The Oath of the Horatii, completed in 1784, became an inspiring painting for the Revolution as its narrative was a commitment for change. In this painting the Horatii brothers were willing to die for their country and raise their hand in an oath for Rome while their father uplifts their swords they will go and fight with. The women know this may be necessary but they display sadness at the thought of losing their loved ones. The painting displays a simplicity and stateliness that is a calling card for the Neoclassical period.
One of Napoleon’s first areas of concern was in the strengthening of the French government. He created a strong centralized government and pretty much got rid of the hundreds of localized law codes that had existed during under the control of the monarchy. He also created an army of government officials. He had the entire country linked under a rational administration. He also was able to get an easy supply of taxes and soldiers under his new and improved French government. Before he could get very far, however, he had to gain public favor and shape the public opinion. To do this he used reforms of propaganda and thus caused people to think that they were getting the better end of the deal, but were actually, subconsciously giving Napoleon their approval for his actions. Among some of the methods he used for propaganda included getting all of the printers and book sellers to swear an oath to Napoleon and all newspapers fell under state control, so Napoleon gained access to almost everything that the citizens of France were able to read. Many of the gains from the French Revolution were kept, such as equality before the law, and careers open to talent. Some anti-revolution actions that Napoleon took included repressing liberty, restoring absolutism, and ending political liberty. He believed that allowing political freedom would end with a state of anarchy. He believed that he could solve these problems by acting in favor of the people’s interests as an enlightened desp...
Napoleon was a great soldier that graduated from military school at the age of sixteen and quickly worked his way through the ranks. Napoleon was a brilliant leader in battle and consistently defeated armies larger than his own; including when he forced the Austrians to make peace after defeating four of their generals. In 1799 Napoleon and his colleagues overtook the French government and established power. He revised the constitution in 1802 to make himself consul for life, and then again in 1804 to make himself Emperor of France. Soon after Napoleon came to power he restructured the administration, simplified the court system, and began monitoring the schooling system; French law was also put in the Napoleon Code which guaranteed the rights and liberties that were gained through the revolution. Napoleons violent behavior caused war with Britain to break out, who allied with Russia and Austria. Prussia later allied themselves with Russia; creating a huge alliances against France and Napoleon. Napoleon successfully extended his reign over large parts of Europe and put each state under the Napoleon Code, which gave citizens new rights and privileges. In 1812 all of Europe turned against Napoleon, which lead to his exile in 1814. He regained power in 1815 just to loose it later that year. He died in exile in Saint Helena in 1821.
Napoleon was born in Corsica and went to military school where at that time France was at war with Britain, Austria and Russia. Being in the military he led the French army and achieved victory from the Austrians in 1797 who also negotiated with other nations such as Britain (MORAN 6-22). He established a new Napoleon code which had traditional laws resembling the new revolution in France. He later crowned himself emperor of France and combined social rehabilitation with his own arbitrary power. He also worked a covenant with the Catholic Church where there was a purification of Napoleon and Empress Josephine, who was from a wealthy family. His rise created a new empire which covered much of Europe apart from Britain (MORAN 6-22). He used his family, relatives and friends to power the European countries, hence to why his pride and aspiration led Europe to unite against him. His fall was brought by the detested of French rule all over
French Revolution brought a great number of great ideas, but ideas are not beneficial unless they are realized and stabilized. The man to stabilize the concepts of French Revolution was Napoleon Bonaparte. He started out as an Italian general and ended up being one of the greatest historical figures. First, Directors requested Napoleon's support while organizing a coup d'etat. Then, Bonaparte fought Britain in order to benefit France. Lastly, he was called to help creating a new constitution and ended up as the First Consul of France. At home, he ruled using flattery, but also he strongly resisted the opposition. Napoleon is a pro-revolutionist because he denied all the privileges of the aristocracy, created a new constitution, and also established the Napoleonic Code.
Napoleon returned to home to France with only about 10% of his Army still alive. He lost most of his soldiers during the Great White Death, which is one of the largest French disasters to date. Since all the coalition allies knew he was in trouble, they decided to follow him and take him out while he was down and burned out. This is when he decided to give himself up and be exiled to Elba with 1000 guards. Before he left though, he promised his men that he, “… would return when the flowers bloomed.” And that was a promise that Napoleon kept.
Napoleon Bonaparte is often seen as a tyrant, however; through Napoleon’s strong tactics and military leadership he led France through a time of great turmoil and provided the stability and guidance France so desperately needed. During his reign, Napoleon was able to bring an end to the French Revolution, a series of wars that had fractured the French at their core. After the resolution of the revolution, Napoleon developed the Civil Code or Napoleonic code to unite all of France under one governing law. The Civil Code blended the governing laws of the Roman law practiced in the South with the customary law practiced in the North. Through the Code, Napoleon brought unity to France, improved the rights and lives of citizens, and allowed for France’s own growth and development. The Civil Code is considered one of Napoleon’s
He continued his constant sending of love letters, yet Josephine kept herself distant and kept her responses to his constant claims of affection to a minimum. Napoleon became fed up over time with her minimal effort to uphold their relationship. “Surrounded with pleasures and entertainments, you would do wrong to make the least sacrifice for me,” Napoleon wrote in a letter to Josephine (Ober 236). It was hard for Napoleon to grasp the idea of his wife’s negligence in writing back to him while he made time to write to her frequently. He was almost past his breaking point but the news he would receive from his dear friend, Junot, while in Egypt pushed him to feeling the need to end his marriage with Josephine.
Monarchs and emperors are prevalent in almost all of European history. But there is one example in European history where there was a leader with a monarch’s mentality without the title. In French history, Napoleon made himself to be that leader. In the era following the French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte created for himself – and allegedly the French people – an empire that swept the majority of Europe during the late 18th and early 19th century. Napoleon Bonaparte did in fact make the dreams of the French Revolution a reality but only through manipulation of the vulnerable French people. Although he gave them the peace, nationalism, and equality they desired, he used these as excuses to further his quest for a French empire. This makes