When did Napoleon and his army begin crossing the Alps in 1800?
Napoleon and his army of 40,000 soldiers began their journey through the Alps on the 15th of May 1800. The crossing took five days to complete through difficult terrain.
Questions about Bonaparte Crossing the Alps
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Which route did Napoleon choose for his army to cross the Great St Bernard Pass?
Napoleon chose the Great St Bernard Pass as the shortest way to reach Italy quickly. This pass was selected instead of a wide road or an easy path to surprise the Austrians.
What supplies did the French army consume during the five day journey across the mountains?
The army consumed almost 22,000 bottles of wine along with more than a tonne and a half of cheese. They also ate around 800 kilograms of meat to sustain them during the harsh crossing.
Why did Paul Delaroche paint Napoleon riding a mule instead of a horse?
Paul Delaroche painted Napoleon riding a mule obtained at a convent located in Martigny to reflect historical accuracy rather than romanticism. Mules were considered sure-footed on slippery slopes and narrow passes while proving sturdier during perilous journeys over volatile terrain.
Where are the surviving versions of the Bonaparte Crossing the Alps painting located today?
One version hangs in the Louvre-Lens museum while another resides at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool England. Queen Victoria owned a small version of the original artwork and one copy reached America by 1850.