Gérard’s depiction of Napoleon’s victory at the Battle of Austerlitz helped to enhance the Emperor’s reputation as a military genius and unifier of the European continent.

[3]: 32  The left side of the painting illustrates the French Guard led by General Rapp, carrying seized flags and surrounding the captured Russian Prince Repnin (dressed in white).

[3] The single, cohesive moment of General Rapp presenting Prince Repnin avoids the depiction of multiple events occurring at once that is often seen in the genre of war painting.

The division of the two groups heightens the drama of the scene as Rapp's emphatic gesture, pointing to the Russian prisoners, contrasts with Napoleon's impassivity.

[3] The Emperor's calm demeanor symbolizes his leadership and collectedness amidst the violence and chaos of war while General Rapp represents the action and greatness of the moment.

[5] The art historian David O'Brien notes that Gérard received instruction from Vivant Denon, a French diplomat, to emphasize the magnificence of the outfits of the officers surrounding Napoleon to make the emperor stand out in his simplicity.

[5] Gérard’s refusal to illustrate gore or overly violent combat ensures that the painting conformed to the period's standards of decorum, a fact that drew admiration from critics.

Other details, like the poignancy of the wounded soldiers unable to express joy in response to General Rapp's announcement, add a humanizing touch to the scene.

Finally, Gérard structures the narrative energy of the painting like a crescendo at Napoleon's feet and accentuates the symbolic power of the scene by directing the intense, raking light upon the Emperor and his horse against a relatively dark ground.