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Napoleon on his Imperial Throne, 1806, Ingres, oil on canvas. I’m now going to look at this painting because it represents Napoleon after he has been crowned emperor. I think this clearly shows how neoclassicism affected the rise of Napoleon. 11
In this painting Ingres has shown Napoleon on his imperial throne, dressed in the coronation robes just after he has be crowned emperor. Napoleon wearing the coronation robes and holding the ceremonial staff, is suggestive that Napoleon can be considered as powerful as Royalty. The coronation robes in this image cover Napoleon with only his head visible. This represents to the people that Napoleon is just as wealthy and important as royalty. Representing Napoleon as Royalty creates the propaganda that Napoleon was born to be emperor and it is his right to rule France. This shows him as a higher social status rather than just the fourth son of a representative to the court. The throne has arms made of golden pilasters which are topped with highly polished marble balls and has eagles encrusted on the sides. This eagle is then painted again on the rug to Napoleons right hand side. On this rug you can clearly see what could be the scales of justice. These scales show to the people of France that Napoleon is a trustworthy emperor and fair to all. This image is typical to the style of Neoclassicism with the use of classical references. Napoleons seating position is suggestive that he is powerful because it is the same positioning as the almighty god Jupiter. Ingres has created this image with no visible brushwork, it appears very photo realistic another feature of Neoclassical art works. Similarly to the other images of napoleon I have looked at propaganda plays an important role in his portrayal. Ingres uses propaganda to portray Napoleon in the style of royalty. The golden arching throne around the back of Napoleons head reflects the shape of a halo suggesting Napoleon is like Apollo. This use of propaganda shows Napoleon as strong and powerful as if he were a God. This was created through Ingres choice of furniture and the attire he dressed Napoleon in. Seen from under Napoleons arm there is a jewel encrusted, golden sword this again could represent his strength and the armies that Napoleon has at his side. This again is propaganda created by Ingres. This increases Napoleons status to the French people because it signifies that he is equipped to defend and protect them as their new emperor. The scale of this painting is massive and when the viewer looks at Napoleon they have to look up to him as he is not at eye level. This shows to the viewer that Napoleon is God like, these references are typical of the Neoclassical style. In the painting Ingres has used strong diagonal forms which highlight Napoleon in the centre. This image has a symmetrical composition which adds emphasis to Napoleon rather than the background. Napoleon fills the majority of the canvas and he is positioned in the foreground. This use of space again adds the emphasis and attention to Napoleon. This technique is successful at showing Napoleons power because he is the centre of attention and that is how he wants the people of France to see him. 12
Page 1 and 2: What role did Neoclassicism play in
Page 3 and 4: What role did Neoclassicism play in
Page 5 and 6: Neoclassicism was an art movement t
Page 7 and 8: As emperor Napoleon maneuvered larg
Page 9 and 10: This painting is depicting the Batt
Page 11: Napoleon had this painting commissi
Page 15 and 16: Napoleon commissioned this painting
Page 17 and 18: This painting was commissioned 10 y
Page 19: References Palmer, L, A., (2011)

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