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David Wilkie , Scottish, 1785-1841

Title

Napoleon and Pope Pius VII at Fontainebleau in 1813

Date1836

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions

244 x 196 cm

Credit LinePurchased, 1877

Object numberNGI.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 205Exhibition HistoryRoyal Academy of Arts, London, 1836

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.