The Napoleon Statue

The statue of Napoleon, a masterpiece by Canova at the Brera palace

In the centre of the courtyard of the Brera palace stands an imposing statue of Napoleon, depicted as the disarmed and peace-making god Mars. The Milan audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this work by a great sculptor, a witness of the Napoleonic era in Milan.

Napoleon as Mars the peacemaker

The statue, titled Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker, is a bronze sculpture inspired by a work of Antonio Canova, one of the greatest neoclassical sculptors. It depicts the emperor as the Roman god Mars, disarmed and peace-making, in a heroic nudity characteristic of neoclassical art. Installed in the courtyard of the Brera palace, it recalls the time when Milan was at the heart of Napoleonic Italy.

What to see

The monumental bronze statue, in the centre of the courtyard of the Brera palace, impresses by its size and its neoclassical workmanship. It is a landmark for visitors to the pinacotheque and a testimony of Napoleonic art and history. It is a stop for lovers of sculpture and history, in the heart of the Brera district.

Practical information

The statue of Napoleon lies in the courtyard of the Brera palace, in the centre of Milan, reachable on foot. The courtyard is freely discovered during the palace's opening hours; access to the pinacotheque is subject to its own hours and prices. It is best to check the arrangements before coming.

Who created the statue of Napoleon at the Brera palace?

It is inspired by a work of Antonio Canova, a great neoclassical sculptor, and depicts Napoleon as the disarmed and peace-making god Mars.

Where is the statue of Napoleon in Milan?

In the centre of the courtyard of the Brera palace, in the heart of the Brera district, in Milan.