Napoleon Bonaparte was an extraordinary individual capable of remarkable things. Through political maneuvering coupled with military strength and genius, Napoleon was able to conquer and assimilate the majority of Europe under France or as satellite states. With Napoleon as Emperor, it was only natural that he would be watched by the world, and it was through portraits with which he was expressed. It is through these portraits that one is able to see the views with which people held him; as a politician, an emperor, or as a defeated man. Through the years many changes and influences can be seen, especially during Napoleon’s reign as well as the years following his death. The reasoning behind the imagery can be seen to be a method which was used in order to either promote his status as the Emperor of France and greater Europe, or as a vanquished foe who during his life was not the grand being which he was made out to be. The capabilities and opportunities which art offered can be expressed by Napoleon himself who stated, “Un bon croquis vaut mieux qu’un long discours.”; “A good sketch is better than a long speech.”
