Antoine-Jean Gros

Though Antoine-Jean Gros was a student of the neo-classically trained Jacques-Louis David, his artwork was considered to be romantic. Gros became well-known for his large, historical paintings that were commissioned by monarchs. He also painted Napoleon before he was emperor, having met him through a chain of aquaintances, and thus found his niche in Italy (Whiteley). 

The first painting was commissioned by Napoleon and is considered to be "the first masterpiece of Napoleonic history painting" (Lerouge). Since this and the following piece are historical paintings rather than portraits, the significance behind their creation lends to Napoleon's careful planning of propaganda. Bonaparte Visiting the Pesthouse in Jaffa was commissioned to dispel Bristish rumors of Napoleon's ruthless violence towards the Syrian refugees by depicting Napoleon as the mericiful, kind leader of the people he wanted the public to see him as. 

Napoleon on the Battlefield at Eylau was painted as a contest piece for Napoleon, who wanted a painting to showcase French victory and merciful,  humane treatment of fallen Russian soldiers following the Battle at Eylau. Though French victory was uncertain and the painted events equally uncertain, Napoleon desired the same effect gotten from Bonaparte Visiting the Pesthouse in Jaffa: to have himself seen as a benevolent hero to the public.