David's Coronation
The Coronation of Napoleon
Jacques Louis David
1807
The Coronation of Napoleon was an extremely important work of art during this time, as it dictated both a political and symbolic message. Napoleon I had risen to the title of Emperor in May 1804 and his coronation took place the grand Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on December 2 of the same year. He commissioned artist Jacques Louis David to commemorate the event on a canvas measuring over five hundred square feet! To prove his independence and legitimacy, Napoleon crowned himself facing the crowd instead of the high alter, this ensured his authority over the Catholic Church and the French monarchy. David 's first sketches clearly illustrated his self-appointment, however the final product …show more content…
After 3 years the painting was completed, when Napoleon first saw it he exclaimed "What relief, what truthfulness! This is not a painting; one walks in this picture.". David finally realized the future implications this painting would hold and he responded, "I shall slide into posterity in the shadow of my hero.". His piece of maliciously crafted political propaganda would be a glimpse at the beginning of the Napoleonic …show more content…
The people of France needed a sign to unite them once more, under the First Consul Napoleon. The piece was commissioned by Charles IV, King of Spain, to commemorate the French victory in the Battle of Marengo against the Austrians. Ironically, Napoleon refused to co-operate with David, stating “Nobody knows if the portraits of the great men resemble them, it is enough that their genius lives there”. Nonetheless he came around, in fact it was his idea to have an equestrian pose, “calme sur un cheval forgueux” (calm on a fiery horse)he solely requested. On the rocky bottom, his name was carved alongside Hannibal and Charlemagne, two great leaders who also led their troops over the alps. Again asserting his authority and power, by inserting his name among the past great
Jacques Louis David
1807
The Coronation of Napoleon was an extremely important work of art during this time, as it dictated both a political and symbolic message. Napoleon I had risen to the title of Emperor in May 1804 and his coronation took place the grand Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on December 2 of the same year. He commissioned artist Jacques Louis David to commemorate the event on a canvas measuring over five hundred square feet! To prove his independence and legitimacy, Napoleon crowned himself facing the crowd instead of the high alter, this ensured his authority over the Catholic Church and the French monarchy. David 's first sketches clearly illustrated his self-appointment, however the final product …show more content…
After 3 years the painting was completed, when Napoleon first saw it he exclaimed "What relief, what truthfulness! This is not a painting; one walks in this picture.". David finally realized the future implications this painting would hold and he responded, "I shall slide into posterity in the shadow of my hero.". His piece of maliciously crafted political propaganda would be a glimpse at the beginning of the Napoleonic …show more content…
The people of France needed a sign to unite them once more, under the First Consul Napoleon. The piece was commissioned by Charles IV, King of Spain, to commemorate the French victory in the Battle of Marengo against the Austrians. Ironically, Napoleon refused to co-operate with David, stating “Nobody knows if the portraits of the great men resemble them, it is enough that their genius lives there”. Nonetheless he came around, in fact it was his idea to have an equestrian pose, “calme sur un cheval forgueux” (calm on a fiery horse)he solely requested. On the rocky bottom, his name was carved alongside Hannibal and Charlemagne, two great leaders who also led their troops over the alps. Again asserting his authority and power, by inserting his name among the past great