Coronation of Napoleon in Notre-Dame
David, Jacques-Louis
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Alternative Titles
Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon and the Coronation of Empress Joséphine on December 2, 1804
Le Sacre
Date
1805-1807Description
Detail, center section, Napoleon crowning Josephine; Jacques Louis David was commissioned by Napoleon I to paint this huge canvas which depicts the splendor of the emperor’s Coronation while conveying its political and symbolic message. The painter himself was present at the ceremony, and once back in his studio portrayed the colorful congregation with realism, combining accuracy with artistry while also complying with the Emperor’s instructions. He made exhaustive preliminary studies for all the personages to be shown and enlisted the help of Ignace-Eugène-Marie Degotti (died 1824), a scene painter from the Paris Opéra, for difficulties he encountered with perspective. Source: Grove Art Online; http://www.oxfordartonline.com/ (accessed 5/1/2013)
Type of Work
painting (visual work)Subject
historical, portrait, rulers and leaders, Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, 1769-1821, Nineteenth century
Rights
Rights Statement
Licensed for educational and research use by the MIT community only