Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon I and Coronation of the Empress by Jacques-Louis David

Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon I and Coronation of the Empress - Jacques-Louis David - 1807

All Artwork Images

Artwork Information

TitleConsecration of the Emperor Napoleon I and Coronation of the Empress
ArtistJacques-Louis David
Date1807
MediumOil on Canvas
Dimensions621 x 979 cm
Art MovementNeoclassicism
Current LocationLouvre, Paris, France
Order a Custom Print of this Artwork!

About Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon I and Coronation of the Empress

Jacques-Louis David’s masterpiece painting, “Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon I and Coronation of the Empress,” completed in 1807, portrays Napoleon Bonaparte’s coronation as Emperor of France. The painting is immense, almost 10 meters wide and just over 6 meters tall, making it one of the largest paintings in French history. It captures Napoleon’s effort to establish his imperial reign’s legitimacy and uses neoclassical style combined with official portraiture of the old French empire.

The painting features important figures like Josephine Bonaparte, Pope Pius VII, members of the imperial family, officials from French nobility and military leaders standing in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral at Paris. In this composition, Emperor Napoleon I stands at the center wearing Roman emperor coronation robes as he places a crown on Empress Josephine Bonaparte’s (Napoleon’s wife) head.

Jacques-Louis David gained prominence as a history painter from the Royal Academy before events that led to Enlightenment started happening. And when presented with his finished piece for inspection by Napoleon himself who was reported to have said “One can walk through this painting!” This artwork fascinated audiences due to its size and detailed portrayal representing an earmark emblematic representation during France’s journey towards enlightenment.

Overall David successfully created an awe-inspiring spectacle that symbolizes imperial grandeur & also demonstrates how art celebrates political power enhancing a sense national identity recognition unparalleled comprehension with how art could impact culture all without losing site nor understanding national identity formation when tackling controversial politics attached to empire building eras we see mirrored in our own contemporaneous global society today.

Other Artwork from Jacques-Louis David

More Neoclassicism Artwork

Scroll to Top