An oil painting by Philadelphia artist Bass Otis (1784–1861), “Napoleon Crossing the Alps,” previously on view in the study at Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, has been lent to the Bordentown Historical Society to be included as part of BHS’ Joseph Bonaparte Exhibit.
The original version of Napoleon Crossing the Alps was painted in 1801 by the famous Neoclassical French painter Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825). The original version is now located at the Chateau de Malmaison, near Paris, France.
After the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, Joseph Bonaparte (Napoleon’s eldest brother) escaped to the U.S. and built a 40,000-square-foot chateau (known as Point Breeze) in Bordentown. He furnished his palatial chateau with many pieces of mahogany Empire-style furniture and over 200 works of art, including David’s original version of the painting.
During his nearly 20 years in the United States, Joseph became good friends with Nicholas Biddle (1786-1844), who was then serving as president of the Second Bank of the United States. Joseph frequently visited Nicolas Biddle at his estate at Andalusia.
In 1827, Nicholas Biddle commissioned Bass Otis to paint several oil on canvas copies of David’s iconic painting, which hung at the time in the billiard room at Point Breeze. Today, Andalusia retains two of these copies: the one being lent to BHS, and a larger version still on view in the historic house.
“The Bordentown Historical Society is greatly honored to accept on loan this important painting from the Andalusia Foundation,” said Steven Lederman, co-president of the BHS.
“We are delighted to lend this famous painting to BHS,” said Andalusia’s executive director John Vick. “The history of Joseph Bonaparte with the Biddle family is significant, and thus the painting is an important addition to their extensive Joseph Bonaparte Exhibit. For us, this loan is a visible reminder of how two institutions can collaborate to ensure that our local history and heritage continues to be accessible to the public.”
“Given the close relationship between Joseph Bonaparte and Nicholas Biddle, it is only fitting that the Bordentown Historical Society begin 2025 with the formal installation of the Bass Otis version of Napoleon Crossing the Alps,” said Peter Tucci, a Board member of both the Andalusia Foundation and BHS, who facilitated the loan.
