The First Consul's March Through the Alps

One of the most iconic images of napoleon depicts the first consul during his march through the alps. Napoleon made the crossing bundled up in a big, formless gray winter coat, on the back of a mule led by a sure footed swiss mountain guide. At the horses feet are rocks bearing the names hannibal, charlemagne and bonaparte,. indicating that with this daring offensive, the first consuls was joining the ranks of history's great commanders.