The Battle Of Austerlitz Napoleon As A Military Genius

The Battle of Austerlitz depicts Napoleon as a military genius. In the nineteenth century many believed Napoleon to be a hero. As The Napoleonic Phenomenon points out: ‘The hero is said to have military genius’ (Barker, 2004, p.106). This is demonstrated by Gà ©rard’s use of colour with regard to Napoleon’s military uniform. The viewer’s attention is drawn to Napoleon dressed in a blue overcoat, a red sash and white bottoms, which is evocative of the tricolour. Furthermore, the hero was believed to have ‘bravery in action’ (Barker, 2004, p.106). So, it could be argued Gà ©rard used the colours of the tricolour to demonstrate Napoleon’s bravery in battle. It is also important to recognise Napoleon’s horse in drawing the viewers’ attention. Gà ©rard’s use of light on Napoleon’s horse highlights its’ milk white coat. By drawing attention to Napoleon’s horse, the viewer is able to see his h orse is both better gloomed and more robust than the other horses in this painting. As Napoleon is sitting on the most impressive horse, this helps to increase Napoleon’s authority in this painting and draw attention to Napoleon himself. So, Napoleon’s military uniform in the form of the tricolour is powerful as it both highlights the importance of this victory and evokes previous Napoleonic victories; it also helps to solidify the image of Napoleon is a hero. Furthermore, Gà ©rard’s lighting effect on Napoleon’s horse further enhances the depiction of Napoleon’s great military leadership. Therefore,Show MoreRelatedResearch Paper On Napoleon Bonaparte1007 Words   |  5 Pagesgeneral, Napoleon Bonaparte. He would soon take the reigns of civil government as well and become yet another Absolutist ruler, yet this time he would have near unanimous public support. Within two decades Napoleon Bonaparte’s france had conquerred (or threatenned int o treaty) every former power on Continental Europe, with the â€Å"trivial† exceptions of Russia and Portugal. 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