Bonaparte Reviewing the Consular Guard (La Revue du Quintidi)
1815
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From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1815
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From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This scene shows a group of men on horseback riding in a city street. The buildings behind them are tall and plain, with many windows. The men wear fancy uniforms—some with white pants, others in dark coats—and a few have hats with feathers. One man in the center holds a red cloth with stars on it. The horses are moving fast, and the whole image has a busy, dramatic feel. The title says this is about a military review, likely showing a leader inspecting troops. The mix of colors and action fits the style of the time. Next, look up Romanticism to see how this painting’s energy connects to that movement.
