Napoleon Crossing the Alps
The artist
Jacques-Louis David, a French painter who was famous for grand, heroic pictures.
What you see
A brave leader named Napoleon rides a rearing white horse up a snowy mountain, pointing the way forward.
The story
David painted it around 1801 to show Napoleon leading his soldiers across the tall Alps mountains into Italy.
The style
It is painted in a grand, polished style that makes the hero look strong, calm, and larger than life.
Look closer
Look at the rocks below the horse: the names of other famous leaders who crossed these mountains are carved there.
Where to see it
There are several versions of this painting kept in museums in France and Austria, including one near Paris.
Fun fact
In real life Napoleon crossed the mountains on a calm mule, but the painter chose a mighty horse to look more heroic.