A classic Neoclassical history painting depicting Napoleon Bonaparte on horseback during his crossing of the Alps.

Jacques-Louis David produced this iconic depiction of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1801. The composition captures the First Consul leading his troops across the Great St Bernard Pass. Napoleon sits atop a rearing charger, his right arm extended to gesture towards the mountain path ahead. His gaze meets the viewer directly, while his red cloak billows behind him in the wind. The horse, a powerful white animal, displays muscular tension as it navigates the rocky terrain.

David employs the visual language of Neoclassicism to construct a heroic image. The painting functions as a piece of state propaganda, intended to project authority and military command. The artist includes inscriptions on the rocks in the foreground, specifically the names 'Bonaparte', 'Hannibal', and 'Karolus Magnus', which align the subject with historical conquerors who also traversed the Alps. The colour palette relies on the contrast between the cool tones of the mountainous background and the warm, saturated red of the cloak.

This work is one of five versions painted by David and his studio. The original commission came from the King of Spain, Charles IV, to commemorate the French victory over the Austrians. David focuses on the idealised representation of the leader rather than a literal transcription of the event. The horse is depicted with exaggerated energy, and the figure of Napoleon remains calm and composed despite the steep incline. The lighting is dramatic, casting deep shadows that define the musculature of the horse and the folds of the uniform. This print captures the precision of David's brushwork and the calculated balance of his composition, offering a clear view of the technical skill involved in his academic training.