Which neoclassical painting by David shows Napoleon crossing the Saint Bernard Pass?

Jacques-Louis David’s neoclassical painting showing Napoleon crossing the Saint Bernard Pass is titled “Napoleon Crossing the Alps.”

David painted a series of five oil-on-canvas versions between 1801 and 1805. The composition presents Napoleon as a commanding equestrian hero, dramatically mounted on a rearing horse and pointing toward the mountain route. It was designed as a flattering political image rather than a literal record of the journey.

Napoleon and his army crossed the Great Saint Bernard Pass in May 1800 during the campaign against Austria in Italy. In reality, Napoleon traveled in much less theatrical circumstances: the crossing took place in relatively fine weather, and he was guided on a mule. David instead followed Napoleon’s request to show him “calm, mounted on a fiery steed.”

The painting’s rock inscriptions invoke Hannibal and Charlemagne, earlier leaders associated with crossing the Alps. “The Oath of the Horatii” and “The Death of Marat” are also famous works by David, but they are separate compositions.