The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques 2.5 oz Silver Coin

2.5 oz 999 Fine Silver Coin – Republique du Tchad 2024 – 10000 Francs CFA

Jacques-Louis David’s “The Coronation of Napoleon”, completed between 1805 and 1807, is a grand and theatrical tribute to imperial power, capturing a pivotal moment in French history with remarkable clarity and political intent. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte, the monumental canvas — over six meters high and ten meters wide — was designed to immortalise the emperor’s self-coronation ceremony at Notre-Dame Cathedral on December 2, 1804. Through classical composition and meticulous detail, David constructs not only a historical scene but also a visual manifesto of Napoleon’s authority and control over both Church and state.

Unlike traditional coronation imagery, David’s painting does not centre on a monarch being crowned by the Church. Instead, the focal point is Napoleon himself, standing tall as he crowns his wife, Josephine. This deviation from custom is deliberate: moments before this depicted scene, Napoleon had famously taken the crown from Pope Pius VII and placed it on his own head — symbolising his belief that power derives from merit and self-will, not 

divine ordination. David reinforces this theme by minimising the Pope’s presence. Though seated prominently in the composition, Pius VII is a passive observer, his hand lifted in hesitant blessing, subordinate to the emperor’s commanding figure.

The painting’s setting in Notre-Dame is rendered with architectural precision, creating a theatrical stage for the unfolding ceremony. Napoleon’s court, clergy, generals, and family are arranged in formal symmetry, evoking Roman imperial imagery. Among them is Napoleon’s mother, Letizia Bonaparte, painted high in the gallery although she did not attend the actual event. Her inclusion, at Napoleon’s request, serves to construct a vision of familial unity and dynastic legitimacy. David also inserts a self-portrait above the scene, placing himself as both participant and documentarian of history.

Every element of the composition reinforces the central message: Napoleon as both heir to classical grandeur and architect of a new era. The lavish use of red, gold, and ivory suggests opulence and divine right, while the clarity and order of the neoclassical style convey discipline and rational authority. David’s attention to costume and gesture lends theatricality to the moment, blurring the line between political event and staged spectacle.

“The Coronation of Napoleon” marks a significant departure from David’s earlier revolutionary works, reflecting his adaptation to the political tides of the Empire. It is not a mere record of an event but a carefully constructed image of power, legacy, and control. Today, the painting continues to be admired as both a masterpiece of neoclassical art and a vivid expression of how art can be wielded to shape historical memory. David’s work endures not just for its scale and precision, but for its ability to transform a moment of statecraft into a lasting symbol of imperial ambition.

On a canvas of 165 x 125mm, a new minting technique called “Tri-Metal” was applied to give this piece its remarkable weight while keeping its proportions true to the actual painting. This is made possible by combining 750g of Zinc as a center layer and 120g of copper as a base with a top layer of 2.5 oz of 999 fine Silver, resulting in a high relief. This is a limited edition of 399 pieces only. Each piece is packaged and delivered with a Certificate verifying its edition number and authenticity.