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The Open University

Napoleonic paintings

The Open University via OpenLearn

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Overview

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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.

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

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3.8 rating at OpenLearn based on 5 ratings

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