c. 1805

Napoleon Bonaparte, Proclaimed Emperor of France in Paris, May 20, 1804

The genesis of Napoleonic propaganda dates back to Bonaparte's own exaggerated reports of his victories as General-in-chief during the first military campaign in Italy from 1796 to 1797. The popular press effectively catapulted the Corsican out of obscurity and into the limelight of France's international affairs by propagating his legend in the making. As emperor, Napoleon masterfully exploited the arts on every scale-from monumental painting, sculpture, and medallions to prints by anonymous engravers, such as this example. In addition to extolling the virtues of bravery and military prowess, these commissions further cultivated his image as a powerful and competent statesman, administrator, and legislator, which ultimately served to legitimize his reign.