JACQUES-LOUIS DAVID, THE
EMPEROR NAPOLEON IN HIS
STUDY AT THE TUILERIES
[sound effect: clock ticking]
MALE NARRATOR
The clock reads 4:13 in the morning. The candles on the desk have burned almost completely down. Who is this man and why has he been up all night?
ACTOR: NAPOLEON
Bonjour, I am Napoleon Bonaparte, ruler of France. Welcome to my study.
NARRATOR
What does this portrait tell us about Napoleon? Look closely for clues. Start with his clothing.
Napoleon is wearing the blue, white, and red uniform of a general in the French military. With all of his shiny gold and silver medals, we can tell he has been brave in battle. On the floor behind the left side of the desk, is a half-rolled map used for military plans. Did you notice Napoleon’s sword resting on the chair?
But wait! There are more clues that Napoleon is an important ruler. It appears as if he has just pushed back his chair, rumpling the carpet. He has risen from the desk, where he had been sitting and writing with the quill pen that now rests on the edge.
See the rolled paper on the right of the desk with the letters “CODE?” The artist wanted you to think that Napoleon has been up all night creating the Napoleonic Code, a new system of laws for the people of France.
Napoleon Bonaparte became ruler of France in 1799 and crowned himself Emperor in 1804. This portrait was painted when Napoleon was 43 years old, by the artist Jacques-Louis David. If you look closely, you might be able to find David’s name in the painting. Look at the bottom left of the picture: David put his name on the map as a way of signing and dating his painting!
David created many images of Napoleon, including portraits and important events during his reign. In fact, Napoleon appointed David to the important position of First Painter. Two years after David made this painting, Napoleon was defeated in battle and overthrown as the ruler.
ACTOR: NAPOLEON
I surrender. Vive la France.
