What is the overall impact of the painting?
The power shown of Napoleon is key to the impact of the painting as it creates an idealised version of him. This is done by the angle of which he is posed making the audience having to look up at him. Napoleon is supposed to be the embodiment of France with the clothing choice displaying the french colours which also displays his faith in the country and nationalism.
How does a knowledge of context enhance your understanding of the work?
Context enhances the work because once you understand the context you can not only further appreciate the painting but also analyse it. This is shown in the engraving of BONAPARTE in the painting by HANNIBAL. To the normal viewer this may not have been picked up on as significant. Although, this displays the power that Napoleon believed he deserved and that he could be immortalised.
What concepts, attitudes and values are represented in the work?
Some of the values represented in the work is wealth, power and nationalism.
Where and how do you see these expressed in the iconography and compositional elements?
This is seen when the light is shone on him making him seem more powerful and important. The juxtaposition between his facial expression and the soldiers in the background creates the idea that they’re weaker than him because they can’t handle the stress whereas Napoleon is the leader and saviour. With the horse being tilted upwards it further pushes the idea that Napoleon is superior by making the audience have to physically look up to him. Finally, by setting the painting in the Alps it shows that he can achieve many things because he’s composed and is dressed to impress whereas in real life this wouldn’t occur.