FEAR THE FRENCH

The curation of Antoine-Jean GrosNapoleon Bonaparte the French to Fear

Purpose

Antoine-Jean Gros. An amazing individual who managed to shift the perspective of a man who had the people of France wrapped around his fingers. In his paintings he showed what

this self proclaimed savior of France truly was. A figure of fear. Although many loved and honored him as a leader he

committed many atrocities that I can't over look. It all boils down to perspective

The Battle of Eylau

This piece is one of the many piece I brought to the gallery that illustrate the

art of war. In my opinion war is the pinnacle of fear, and this painting by

Antoine-Jean Gros illustrates the rated R impact that war brings, and as you look through the piles of bodies and take in the smoking house in the distance you have this realization war is scary. Very

scary. It really brings perspective to war, especially if look at it contextually. A

Frenchman bringing truth to the people while still staying in guidelines given to him. Once I saw this I knew I had to

have it in my gallery.

The Battle of Abukir

This is another piece painted by Frenchman Antonie-Jean Gros in 1806.

No stranger to tragedy my friend continues to bring. However this photo is in the midst of the action. As the battle around takes place there sits Napoleon who in my opinion really represents the

harbinger of death. An untouched figure standing in the crossfire. Truly a fearful

figure. The perspective of this piece really not only showed me the ruthlessness of

war but the dominance and almost invincibility of Napoleon. If I was

ignorant to Napoleons history I think my whole view on him would be quite

different

Surrender of Madrid

When you look at the Surrender of Madrid you get to start to empathize with these people who are seemingly

begging for their lives as the stern figure stands over them dictating life and death for these poor individuals. Antonie-Jean Gros is a genius. He's

managed to shift the attention towards these fallen individuals, but also managed to isolate this figure of

death. I just think it's so interesting how all of his paintings he shows this guy who is loved by his people and becomes the Emperor of France as

this figure of fear.

Bonaparte at the Pont d'Arcole

When you look at the Surrender of Madrid you get to start to empathize with these people who are seemingly

begging for their lives as the stern figure stands over them dictating life and death for these poor individuals. Antonie-Jean Gros is a genius. He's

managed to shift the attention towards these fallen individuals, but also managed to isolate this figure of

death. I just think it's so interesting how all of his paintings he shows this guy who is loved by his people and becomes the Emperor of France as

this figure of fear.

Napoleon Bonaparte Visiting the Plague Stricken Victims in Jaffa

This piece is the darkest I think. The others focus on war an image, but this illustrates who Napoleon was when he

wasn't in the publics eye. During Napoleons war runs he actually

poisoned 32 different people to test different poisons. Many of the 32 died

others forced to lived with different types of handicaps as poison does leave a mark permanently. The whole photo really shows the perspective that this

man isn't the holy savior, he's a monster. A war hungry monster, and a

good one at that.

The Coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte

This giant painting wasn't painted by Antoine-Jean Gros, but by fellow French

painted Jacques-Louis David. The reason I decided to add this was

perspective. Napoleon did commit many atrocities, and was responsible for the

deaths of dare I say millions. However, the reality is Napoleon is regarded as the

greatest leaders France has ever had. After returning from exile he was met by

cheers and hugs from his French brothers and sisters. People loved this guy. He was even close to the Pope. At the end of the day it really is all about

perspective.

This is my pamphlet for the gallery