This page is an AI-generated visualization based on the Wikipedia article "Bonaparte at the Pont d'Arcole". Read the source article here. (opens in new tab)

Napoleon's Ascent

An immersive exploration of Antoine-Jean Gros's iconic 1796 masterpiece, capturing a pivotal moment in the Napoleonic Wars.

Explore Painting 🖼️ Discover History 📜

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!


When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Painting Overview

The Masterpiece

Bonaparte at the Pont d'Arcole is a significant oil-on-canvas painting created in 1796 by the French artist Antoine-Jean Gros. It vividly portrays a critical moment during the Battle of Arcole in November 1796, where General Napoleon Bonaparte is depicted leading his forces in a charge across the bridge.

Creation & Context

Executed in Naples in 1796, the painting captures the intensity and dynamism of the Italian Campaign. It serves as a powerful piece of propaganda, immortalizing Bonaparte's leadership and bravery during a key engagement.

Display & Dimensions

The artwork measures 130 cm × 94 cm (51 in × 37 in). It is currently housed at the Palace of Versailles in Versailles, France, a testament to its historical importance and connection to French leadership.

The Artist: Antoine-Jean Gros

A Painter of the Empire

Antoine-Jean Gros (1771–1835) was a prominent French painter renowned for his historical canvases, particularly those depicting Napoleon and his military campaigns. He was a student of Jacques-Louis David but developed a more dynamic, Romantic style that captured the energy and drama of battle.

Connection to Napoleon

Gros's association with Napoleon began early in his career. His ability to glorify military victories and portray Napoleon heroically made him a favored artist of the regime. This painting is a prime example of his skill in capturing the spirit of the Napoleonic era.

Historical Context: Battle of Arcole

A Pivotal Engagement

The Battle of Arcole, fought from November 15–17, 1796, was a decisive victory for the French Army of Italy, led by General Napoleon Bonaparte, against Austria during the War of the First Coalition. The battle was crucial in securing French gains in Italy.

Storming the Bridge

The climax of the battle involved a fierce struggle for control of the bridge at Arcole. Bonaparte's personal involvement in leading the charge, despite heavy French casualties, became a legendary symbol of his determination and leadership, which Gros masterfully depicted.

Artistic Depiction

Bonaparte's Portrayal

Gros presents Bonaparte in a three-quarter-length view. He holds the flagstaff of the Armée d'Italie in his left hand and his sword in his right. The inscription "Bonaparte, Armée d'Italie" is visible on the sword's blade, emphasizing his command.

Uniform and Details

Bonaparte is depicted in the dark blue trousers and tunic characteristic of a general of the First French Republic, accented with a gold-embroidered red collar. Beneath, he wears a white shirt and a black neckscarf, complemented by a gold-fringed tricolor cummerbund and a belt with an empty scabbard.

The Battle Scene

The background evokes the chaos and smoke of battle. Distant houses are visible on the left, while the riverbanks are rendered in dark tones. A smoking cannonball adds a dynamic element, underscoring the ferocity of the engagement.

Provenance and Exhibition

Commission and Creation

The painting was commissioned in Naples in 1796 by Joséphine Bonaparte, Napoleon's wife, who was accompanying him during his Italian Campaign. Legend has it that Napoleon, unable to sit still for long periods, posed in Joséphine's lap while she embraced him, allowing Gros to complete the portrait.

Journey Through Collections

Following its creation, the painting was exhibited at the Salon of 1801. It passed through the personal collections of Napoleon himself and later Napoleon III. After the fall of the Second French Empire in 1870, it was acquired by Napoleon III's wife, Eugénie de Montijo, in 1871. She subsequently donated it to the Louvre Museum eight years later.

Final Placement

The painting eventually moved from the Louvre to the Château de Compiègne in 1901. In 1938, it found its final home at the Palace of Versailles, where it remains a significant piece in the museum's collection (inventory number MV 6314).

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio
Click here to open the "Bonaparte At The Pont D Arcole" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about bonaparte_at_the_pont_d_arcole while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

                                        

References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Bonaparte at the Pont d'Arcole Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional art historical analysis or advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consultation with qualified art historians, curators, or experts in Napoleonic history. Always refer to primary sources and consult with professionals for specific research or appraisal needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.