History

Art and the Realism of War

It has long been said that the winners of wars are those who get to write the history books, but few people think about how...

History

Famous Paintings of Napoleon’s Battles

Propaganda during wartime has always been important to help bolster the troops, and it is often used gain the support of those who remain at...

History

The Artistic Opponents

For every war, there are supporters and opponents, and the reign of Napoleon had both. A military man who fought with his troops, much of...

History

The Art of Lifestyles

There are few people in the world who want others to know their life is dreadful, and those who patronize artists are looking for someone...

History

The Architecture of Napoleon’s Time

Rising to power within the military, Napoleon studied the military history of many cultures. Among these were the Roman and Greek cultures whose battles were...

Art has taken on many forms throughout the centuries of mankind’s existence, but Napoleon’s rule is an excellent example of influence by a ruling class on artists of a particular time. During his life and even after his rule, the Empire style of art flourished. Much of it consisted of grand paintings that glorified the military campaigns that brought him to power, but there were artists who used their talents to show the bleakness and agony of war.

While paintings were a large part of this art, architecture and furniture were also important pieces of this period. It is considered to be an extension of the neo-classical style, and much of it was created as a way to idealize the French ruling class after the Revolution and the Rise of the Emperor. Combined with the art of countries that were overrun by Napoleon, this period was a time when artists were encouraged to do their best work in support of the empire.