Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker Flashcards
subject?
Heroic nude ofNapoleon I of Francein the guise of Mars, Roman of war.
Size and setting?
3.45 metres tall (over life-size) intended for an interior entrance-hall setting rather than as a freestanding sculpture.
Influence of Neoclassicism?
Influence of Neoclassicism is reflected Napoleon’s portrayal as a tall, perfectly proportioned athletic male nude inspired by ancient Greek statuary.
Napoleon’s features?
Carefully rendered yet recognisable, portrays his power as a statesman.
Nudity?
Directly references classical Gods, elevating him to the status of the divine. Musculature carved with anatomical accuracy that draws on Greek sculpture such as the Spearbearer.
Profile View?
Reminiscent of the portraits of emperors on Roman coins.
Orb?
GildedNike(Victory)stands on the orb in his right hand, symbolising his status as absolute ruler.
Weaponry?
His sword and belt are draped on the tree stump, suggesting that having during this time of peace, Napoleon/Mars has put aside his armour.
Pose (Augustus of Prima Porta) ?
Raised left arm, bent right arm and contrapposto stance mirror the classical statue Augustus of Primaporta, the Roman Emperor known for establishing a period of “Pax romana” (Roman peace and prosperity). Aligns Napoleon’s rule with the ‘Golden Age’ of the Roman Empire.
Depiction as Mars the Peacemaker?
Nude, clean shaven, armed (in keeping with ancient Roman depictions of Mars). Rather than being a destructive force, the Roman God Mars represented military power as a wayto secure peace and was a father(pater)of the Roman people. Canova’s choice of a pacifying Mars as a referent to Napoleon was both logical and appropriate. Underscores Napoleon’s wish to be seen as a bringer of peace and ‘pater’ to the people of France.
Treaty of Amiens (1802) and Treaty of Luneville (1801)
Recently signed. Brought an end to the French Revolutionary Wars and temporarily ended hostilities between France and Britain before the Battle of Waterloo (1815).
Concordat (1801)?
An agreementbetweenNapoleon andPope Pius VII that sought reconciliation between revolutionaries and Catholics. Enabled Napoleon to win favour with French Catholics while also controlling Rome in a political sense.
Napoleon I - Master of propaganda?
Keen to portray himself as a peacemaker to garner public support. Adopted the Neoclassical style to promote his own achievements as Emperor. By commissioning art and architecture that was in the style of ancient Rome, (see the Arc de Triomphe), Napoleon attempted to align his new French Empire with the military and imperial success of the great Roman Empire.
Napoleon (patron)?
Sat for the artist 5 times. Napoleon had been an admirer of Canova’s work, but was apparently “embarrassed” by the discrepancy between the statue and his own less “athletic” figure, suggesting he would have preferred to have been depicted in military uniform rather than nude.
Duke of Wellington (subsequent owner)?
After Napoleon’s defeat at the hands of the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo (1815) the restored French monarchy sold the statue to the British government, who presented it to the Duke of Wellington. It was placed in the stairway of his London residence, Apsley House. There is no record of what Wellington thought of the statue – however likely appreciated the irony.
