The Coronation of Napoleon

Behold, a scene of epic self-promotion that gives modern influencers a run for their money. Commissioned by Napoleon himself, this massive piece of propaganda—measuring almost 33 feet wide—is less a historical record and more a carefully curated highlight reel. Notice the composition, where all eyes are on Napoleon. He's the undeniable center of attention, a sun king for a new century. The painting captures the moment he crowns his wife, Joséphine, a choice made to soften his image. An earlier sketch showed him crowning himself, a power move to signal his independence from the church. Indeed, Pope Pius VII, who traveled from Rome for the occasion, is relegated to the role of a background character, giving a limp blessing from his seat. This was a deliberate statement: the emperor outranks the Pope. The historical embellishments don't stop there. Napoleon's mother, who was a no-show at the actual event due to a family squabble, is prominently featured in the stands. Napoleon, it seems, believed in painting the world not as it was, but as he wanted it to be seen. The result is a masterclass in political spin, a luxurious and theatrical celebration of a man who seized his own crown and wasn't afraid to remind everyone of it.