The Coronation of Napoleon

Jacques-Louis David documented Napoleon's coronation at Notre-Dame Cathedral on December 2, 1804. The massive canvas, over 10 meters wide, took nearly three years to complete. Rather than showing Napoleon receiving the crown from Pope Pius VII, David chose the moment when Napoleon crowns his wife Joséphine as Empress.

David made several diplomatic alterations to reality. Napoleon's mother, who actually boycotted the ceremony, appears prominently in the gallery. The Pope's gesture was changed from passive resignation to seeming blessing. Even Napoleon's height was subtly increased. Over 150 figures populate the scene, each portrait painted from life.

The painting hung in the Louvre until 1889, when it moved to Versailles. It returned to the Louvre in 1889. A full-size replica that David painted for Napoleon hangs at Versailles.