6000x3773 Jacques Louis David, The Coronation O... Direct

The painting captures the ceremony on December 2, 1804 , at Notre-Dame Cathedral. Specifically, it shows Napoleon—having already crowned himself—placing the crown on his wife, Joséphine , who is kneeling before him.

Napoleon is positioned on stairs to appear taller than those around him, including the Pope. 6000x3773 Jacques Louis David, The Coronation o...

Jacques-Louis David included a self-portrait in the gallery as a witness to the event, shown sketching the scene. The painting captures the ceremony on December 2,

The composition follows strict neoclassical rules, using clear vertical axes (such as the central gold cross) and diagonal lines to direct the viewer’s attention to Napoleon. Jacques-Louis David included a self-portrait in the gallery

Commissioned by Napoleon, the work served as a massive propaganda tool to solidify his legitimacy. David famously altered several details to suit the Emperor's image:

Napoleon’s mother, Maria Letizia Ramolino , is prominently seated in the center background even though she did not actually attend the ceremony.