The Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries
Jacques-Louis David · 1812
Why it's great
Napoleon stands in his study at night in his general's uniform, his candles nearly burnt down and the clock showing about 4 a.m. David wanted to show him as a leader who works through the night for his people. The details, like the sword and the folded paper, were carefully chosen. It's among the most famous portraits of Napoleon.
Where to see it
📍 National Gallery of ArtWashington, D.C., United States
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Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
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Jacques-Louis David was born in Paris and became the greatest painter of the Neoclassical style, inspired by ancient Greece and Rome. He supported the French Revolution and later became Napoleon's official painter. After Napoleon fell, he was forced into exile and spent his last years in Brussels, Belgium. He taught many famous students and shaped French art for generations.
