Bonaparte Crossing the Alps
Paul Delaroche · 1848
Why it's great
Napoleon rides a mule on a mountain pass, looking rather calm, in a more realistic version of the heroic scene. Delaroche painted it in 1848 to show how it was in truth — a mule, not a prancing horse. It's a clever answer to David's famous idealized portrait. It reminds us that history can be told in different ways.
🏛️ Part of history
Napoleon & the Napoleonic Wars (1799–1815) — Delaroche shows Napoleon crossing the Alps on a mule, the realistic cousin of David's heroic version.
Where to see it
📍 La Galerie du tempsLens, France
Open in Maps ↗Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
Paul Delaroche was born in Paris and became one of France's most popular painters of dramatic history scenes. He worked and taught in Paris, where he trained many future artists. His paintings often show famous tragedies, such as the death of royalty. He died in Paris in 1856.
