Jacques-Louis David, The Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries, 1812, 204 x 125 cm, Washing
Jacques-Louis David, The Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries, 1812, 204 x 125 cm, Washington, The National Gallery of Art, Samuel H. Kress CollectionCompared to some of the other images of Napoleon by David, this one that we see on the screen is closed and discrete. Napoleon dressed in formal uniform but somewhat informally posed. He seems to be taking a short rest from his work on the table behind him. His cuffs are unbuttoned, and his hair is uncombed. The candles seem to have been burning for a long time, perhaps he’s been working all night. The clock actually points to 4:13, it must be 4:13 AM. Papers with the letters “COD” refer to the French Civil Code that he implemented; the sword alludes to his equally important military achievements. A closed book under the desk is Plutarch’s volume on the lives of exemplary Greek and Roman figures, a reminder of the Classical references that were constant at this time. The design of the furniture is of a neoclassical style. -- source link
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