A Brush with Napoleon

"Napoleon Crossing the Saint Bernard", one of the most famous paintings in Western art, is a piece of war propaganda - Napoleon didn't ride a rearing stallion to cross the river on his campaign; he rode a donkey. He relied on the artist Jacques-Louis David to polish his public image. The truth behind the propaganda is revealed in a compelling story of fifteen-year-old Jean, whose idealistic view of the leader comes under fire when he begins working in David's studio. As he battles with Louis, David's cowardly son, it becomes clear that their fates mirror the course of the French Empire. "A Brush with Napoleon" is a dynamic addition to the popular "Art Encounters" series.