Napoleon gained recognition for his involvement in the Napoleonic Wars and his subsequent defeat at Waterloo in 1815. He is widely regarded as one of the most distinguished military strategists of his era in European history.
This large-scale painting, measuring approximately 10 meters wide and 6 meters tall, was commissioned as a means of propaganda. The ceremony, organized by Napoleon and held at the magnificent Notre Dame de Paris cathedral, was attended by Pope Pius VII, who bestowed blessings upon Napoleon during the event.
Completed by Jacques-Louis David in September 1804, the actual process of painting began on December 21, 1805.
From February 7 to March 22, 1808, the artwork was exhibited at the annual Salon exhibition and later entered the Salon decennial prize competition in 1810.
Initially displayed at the Palace of Versailles, the painting was later relocated to the Louvre in 1889. Between 1808 and 1822, David created a second version of the painting for a group of American businessmen, which eventually came into the possession of the Palace of Versailles in 1947.
The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David
