Riding Towards the Pacific#93031 48” X 66” oc 24” X 33” Print
In 1800, while designated as the Commender-in-Chief of the army to Italy, the then First-Consul Napoleon Bonaparte led his army acrossed the Alps by the very steep and dangerous Great Saint Bernard Pass under the snow for a surprising attack on Prussian army, and won the battle. Such a historical event was eternalized by Jacques-Louis David, the “Artist of the (First) Empire” who also painted the well-know “Coronation”. Taking David’s Napoleon on horseback in climbing posture, T. F. Chen put it on a beach in Tahiti amid Gauguin’s “Riders”. It looks as the Commender-in-Chief was escorted by a bunch of native guard. Two small dogs, unfamiliar with the majestic new rider, barked at the horse which, surprised, jumped up with its forefeet in the air. Did Napoleon go to Tahiti? Of course not. It’s just Chen’s scenario. Nevertheless, the scene is amazing to the eye as the composition, pleasant. The two little dogs are borrowed from Goya’s as the Spanish dogs were in standing posture which fit finely to explain why Napoleon’s horse was jumping on a flat beach. The composition of this post-modern painting is very interesting, regarding the proportions, and directions of the riders and the distances and spaces among and between them. The rosy ground contrasts the blue sky in turmoil suggesting a coming storm. Napoleon’s white horse and his gorgeous brilliant uniform enrich the whole scene, excellent to be reported back to France that the expedition toward the Pacific is full of glory and excitement! Vivre La France!! – T. F. Chen |
Riding Towards the Pacific
Noa Noa Napoleon
2015 年 8 月 5 日