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 & Arboretum in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, has been lent to the Bordentown Historical Society (BHS) 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 Château 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, New Jersey. 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 world-famous painting.
During his nearly 20 years in the United States, Joseph became good friends with Nicholas Biddle (1786–1844), who was then serving as the President of the Second Bank of the United States. Joseph frequently visited Nicholas 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 Dr. Steven Lederman, the 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 was instrumental in facilitating the loan between the two institutions.
About Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum:
Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum is a non-profit organization and a scenic 50-acre property overlooking the Delaware River in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Established more than 225 years ago, the site is a natural paradise of preserved native woodlands and spectacular gardens, as well as a museum with an exceptional collection of paintings, sculptures, decorative art, rare books and manuscripts.
About The Bordentown Historical Society:
The Bordentown Historical Society was formed in 1930, as a non-profit organization to research and preserve the rich history of Bordentown, New Jersey, which was settled in 1682. The mission of BHS is to preserve, teach and inspire curiosity about Bordentown’s rich history.