Napoleon Leading the Army over the Alps

Napoleon Leading the Army over the Alps is an equestrian portrait of a youthful black male painted by the contemporary artist Kehinde Wiley in 2005.

It is based on Jacques-Louis David’s 1801 equestrian portrait, Napoleon Crossing the Alps.

This painting was chosen by a man who Wiley had approached in the streets.

It is seen against a rich red background embellished with gold floral motifs.

[1] The basic composition of Wiley's painting is similar to the well-known portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte by Jacques-Louis David, and the two paintings share many elements.