Pocket notebook Jacques-Louis David - Bonaparte crossing the Grand Saint-Bernard, 1802

Jacques-Louis David is an 18th century painter and founder of the neoclassical movement. The gifted child begins his studies at the Academy of Saint Luke before following the teaching of Joseph-Marie Vien. This meeting was the starting point of his interest in French neo-classicism. His talents as a painter are recognized since in 1771 he obtained the second prize from Rome for Le combat de Mars contre Minerve. Three years later, he was awarded the first Prix de Rome with Erasistrate discovering the cause of Antiochius disease. Passionate about Napoleon Bonaparte, the artist uses his talent to create his portraits. These services enabled him to become an official painter of the Empire.