David Wilkie, Scottish, 1785-1841
Title: Napoleon and Pope Pius VII at Fontainebleau in 1813
Date: 1836
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions:
244 x 196 cm
Credit Line: Purchased, 1877
Object Number: NGI.240
ProvenanceJames Garth Marshall, Leeds; purchased by Agnew; collection of Samuel Mewel, Manley Hall, Manchester; private sale, bt. Baron Albert Grant; purchased, Christie's, London, 1877, lot 205
Exhibition HistoryRoyal Academy of Arts, London, 1836
Manchester, 1857
Manchester, 1857
Label TextDuring the Napoleonic Wars, Pope Pius VII was taken captive and exiled by the French. Imprisoned from 1809-1814, he was only released after signing an agreement that was later published as the Concordat of Fontainebleau. Wilkie painted this picture after a visit to mainland Europe. He depicted a commanding Napoleon urging the frail Pope to concede to his demands. It was reported that when Wilkie exhibited the painting at the Royal Academy in 1836, French visitors were angry at his unflattering portrayal of Napoleon.