In 1804, fifteen years after the beginning of the French Revolution, France reinstated its monarchy under the form of an empire. Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul of the French Republic, commissioned the most talented painter of the time, Jacques-Louis David, to create massive canvases to glorify the historic event. The most celebrated of these paintings portrays the coronation in Notre Dame, in which Napoleon, having already crowned himself Emperor, consecrates Josephine as his Empress.

NAPOLEON, DAVID: THE IMAGE ENTHRONED examines both the art and politics of David's famous painting, detailing the artistic techniques employed to create the 20' x 30' canvas, as well as illustrating how art and propaganda were intertwined throughout Napoleon's career, from David's earlier romanticized portrait-"Napoleon Crossing the Alps"--of the victorious general on a rearing horse to the lavish spectacle "Napoleon's Coronation."

In addition to using period graphics to chronicle the elaborate, five-hour ceremony and subsequent days of celebration, NAPOLÉON, DAVID examines in fascinating detail the creation of David's painting. It shows the miniature models and numerous sketches he used as guides, reveals in close-up the alterations demanded by Napoleon, analyses David's masterful use of light and color, and identifies the many historic personages portrayed.

The film also traces Napoleon's military and political career, as seen by other French painters, British caricaturists and silent filmmakers, from his rise as a young military genius to his final days in exile. In the process, NAPOLÉON, DAVID demonstrates how a painter with a gift for glorifying his times found in a politician with an abiding concern for his public image a modern hero worthy of his talents. Their historic relationship confirmed the importance of the image in politics--indeed, how even today political power can be established through the strength of images.

"Explores the painting's terrain, inch by inch... As the camera drinks in the characters, colors, and gestures from multiple angles, Jean exposes the Coronation's distortions of fact, both delicate and gross."—Tony Osborne, Film & History

"A fine job of placing the two main characters within the larger context... Indeed, everything about the film is as meticulous as the Coronation painting. The movie's scope is extraordinary. A thought-provoking and visually enticing film. I highly recommend it."—Leonardo Reviews

“[David’s painting is] a fish tank of images that largely fed the Napoleonic mythology. A passionate documentary.” —Pelerin Magazine

“An excellent analysis of the role of images in the elaboration of the Napoleonic myth.” —Tele-Cable-Satellite Hebdo

"The painting is mercilessly analyzed by the camera... The documentary tears the legend to pieces.” —Le Monde

"Delightful and very instructive.”—La Croix

"Recommended! A classic example of the manner in which art can be used as propaganda. Crisp camera work, smooth transitions, excellent lighting and fascinating insights..."—Educational Media Reviews Online