The Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries
by Jacques-Louis David, 1812
StyleNeoclassicism
Artwork Details
Details
- Year
- 1812
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
- Size
- 203.9 × 125.1 cm (80.3 × 49.3 in)
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Jacques-Louis David painted this portrait in 1812, at the height of Napoleon's power. The Emperor stands in his study at 4:13 AM (the clock shows the time), having worked through the night on the Code Napoléon, his legal reforms visible on the desk.
Every detail is symbolic. The candles have burned low, showing his tireless dedication. His hand rests in his waistcoat in his characteristic pose. The sword and military hat remind us of his conquests, but the emphasis is on Napoleon as lawgiver and administrator.
David, once a radical painter, became Napoleon's court artist. This is one of the most famous imperial portraits and now hangs at the National Gallery of Art.
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About The Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries
This famous portrait by David is at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.
David showed Napoleon working through the night on his legal code, demonstrating his tireless dedication to governance, not just military conquest.
This pose was common in portraiture of the era, signifying calm authority. David depicted Napoleon this way in several portraits.
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