Artist(s):

after DAVID, Jacques-Louis (1748-1825)

sc. COOKE, George (1781-1834)

Composed Title English:

Bonaparte crossing the Alps.

Inscribed Title:

Buonaparte crossing the Alps

Inscription:

Painted by David // Engraved by George Cooke // London: Publish'd by Vernor, Hood & Sharpe, Poultry; 1807. // Buonaparte crossing the Alps

Description:

Napoleon as First Consul on a rearing horse, crossing the Alps, points upwards. His cape is billowing, his look is determined. At the horse's feet, the rocks bear the names of "BONAPARTE", "ANNIBAL" and "KAROLUS MAGNUS", placing Napoleon in the tradition of Hanibal and Charlemagne. This image full of power and dynamism is in stark contrast to the real crossing, which Napoleon executed on the back of a donkey. Outline only, after David's famous painting.

Original Work:

Bonaparte, Premier Consul, franchissant les Alpes, au Mont Saint-Bernard, 20 mai 1800.

by

David, Jacques-Louis (1748-1825)

1801-1803

. Oil on canvas; 271 x 232 cm; Musée national des châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon.

Subject Heading(s):

Alps, Crossing, at Mont Saint-Bernard (1800)

Napoleon I, Emperor of the French (1769-1821) -- crossing the Alps

Medium:

engraving

Date:

1807

Publication Place:

London

Edition:

Proof before letters

Dimensions:

197 x 136 mm (not including mount paper); 261 x 204 mm (sheet).

Paper Type:

wove paper

Condition:

fine

Copy Specific:

improper registration in the lower half, as if the paper had slipped on the plate while printing.

McGill Notes:

Pennington Catalogue p. 0458

Related Works:

DAVID, Jacques-Louis (1748-1825); 'Bonaparte, Premier Consul, franchissant les Alpes, au Mont Saint-Bernard, 20 mai 1800.'

LocNo:

8° N II 004