| Jacques-Louis David's Napoleon Crossing the Alps | |
|---|---|
|
Origin |
Jacques-Louis David |
|
Type |
Oil Portrait |
|
Effects |
Mythologizes focal topic to embellish only feats, however inconsequential or downplayed |
|
Downsides |
Accelerates speed when holding still |
|
Activation |
Impatience or Haste |
|
Collected by |
Warehouse 12 |
|
Section |
|
|
Date of Collection |
March 29, 1846 |
| [Source] | |
Origin[]
Napoleon Crossing the Alps is a series of five oil on canvas equestrian portraits of Napoleon Bonaparte painted by the French artist Jacques-Louis David between 1801 and 1805. Initially commissioned by the King of Spain, the composition shows a strongly idealized view of the real crossing that Napoleon and his army made along the Alps through the Great St Bernard Pass in May 1800. It has become one of the most commonly reproduced images of Napoleon. Napoleon initially requested to be shown reviewing the troops but eventually decided on a scene showing him crossing the Alps. However, from the outset the painting was first and foremost propaganda, with the addition of the names of the other great generals who had led their forces across the Alps: Hannibal and Charlemagne.
The installation of Napoleon as First Consul and the French victory in Italy called for a rapprochement with Charles IV of Spain. While talks were underway to re-establish diplomatic relations, a traditional exchange of gifts took place. The French ambassador to Spain, Charles-Jean-Marie Alquier, requested the original painting from David on Charles' behalf. The portrait was to hang in the Royal Palace of Madrid as a token of the new relationship between the two countries. On learning of the request, Bonaparte instructed David to produce three further versions. A fifth version was produced by David and remained in his various workshops until his death.
Few drafts and preparatory studies were made, contrary to David's normal practice. David had also managed to persuade him to sit for a portrait in 1798, but the three hours that the fidgety and impatient Bonaparte had granted him did not give him sufficient time to produce a decent likeness. On accepting the commission for the Alpine scene, it appears that David expected that he would be sitting for the study, but Bonaparte refused point blank, not only on the basis that he disliked sitting but also because he believed that the painting should be a representation of his character rather than his physical appearance.
Effects[]
Makes the subject appear larger than life, something akin to a mythical figure more than a mere man. All their feats and traits get skewed as they spread to be magnificent tales, even if originally a trivial act. When attempting to rest, they will feel an unconquerable sensation of movement, similar to motion sickness and ADHD merged together making them unable to physically rest. Growing ill after several days of non-stop grind will result in a stupor the exact opposite of their glowing image.