6000x3773 Jacques Louis David, The Coronation O... Apr 2026

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

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

There are two official versions of this painting. The original (1807) is in the Louvre , while a second version (completed in 1822) is displayed at the Palace of Versailles . The Coronation of Napoleon - Britannica Napoleon’s mother, Maria Letizia Ramolino , is prominently

Jacques-Louis David included a self-portrait in the gallery as a witness to the event, shown sketching the scene. The original (1807) is in the Louvre ,

Pope Pius VII is depicted raising his hand in blessing at Napoleon's request, though early sketches showed him with his hands down.

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.

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.