S1 - Matu 3 - Switzerland and Napoleon

Lesson 4 -   Napoleon and art

In this short lesson, we're once again going to focus on the utility of art as a window onto the past. What can visual art do to help us make sense of the past? 

1. Look at slides 2 and 3. What can these paintings tell us about how battles were fought at the time of Napoleon? Which of the paintings is more useful as evidence about the nature of warfare at the time of Napoleon? Explain your answer carefully. 
2. Compare and contrast the paintings of Napoleon crossing the Alps.  How does David's differ from Delaroche?  Delaroche's painting is a secondary source produced by an artist who did not know Napoleon, it is therefore less useful. Do you agree?  In what sense might Delaroche be considered the more useful source? 
3. Study David's painting of Napoleon's coronation. How useful is this source as evidence about the coronation of Napoleon?

See also Khan Academy