Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker

Higher than three meters, the powerful and heroic statue depicting Napoleon Bonaparte embodying Mars the Peacemaker, occupies an important place in the Canovian Gypsotheque. Naked, the emperor holds a spear with one hand, while with the other he holds a globe that represents Earth, surmounted by a Nike, namely the personification of winged victory. Canova had thought of depicting Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker in order to idealize him in the “naked heroism” of the antique sculptures. However, the sculpture was not at all appreciated by Napoleon Bonaparte, who would have preferred to be portrayed in his military role or that of a political man. The sculpture, source of embarrassment because of the comparison between the powerful Mars and the real aspect of Bonaparte, was censured and Napoleon himself gave the order to conceal it. The impressive marble sculpture can be found, today, in English general Wellington’s London residence, since it was donated to him by the English crown as a thank for defeating the French emperor. A masterpiece that became a war trophy!