| Napoleon and the artists of the First French Empire managed to sophisticatedly harness multiple facets of art, architecture, iconography, and culture in order to further their Imperial narrative and propaganda of validity. Each distinct element that was integrated into this movement served to promote the broader goal of aggrandizing and legitimizing the Emperor. While Napoleon's administration also employed countless tactics through philosophy, law, economics, religious practice, etc., the visual arts undoubtedly emerged as the most visceral and effective avenue of the era for establishing public credibility, and succinctly communicating the complex principles of an absolutist empire masquerading as a republic. |
