Napoleon’s journey from an unknown family in Corsica, which became a part of France just two years before his birth, to the ruler of France and then an empire stretching across much of Europe and North Africa, was unlikely at just about every step. Napoleon had no title to nobility, but he did have charisma, and a talent for tactics which got him to the leadership post of the French military. Engaged in a long war against Britain, he took his army to Egypt, to deprive the enemy of an important revenue source. He was still in Egypt when he learned there was political turmoil back home – so Napoleon left his army to hurry back to France to install himself First Consul.

On this day, December 2, 1804, Napoleon staged an elaborate coronation ceremony to give himself formal title and rule of France. The festive affair, in front of a crowd of thousands, included much splendor and even the blessing the the Pope, Pius VII, himself.

Napoleon adapted previous ceremonies for his use, taking up the jewels and crown blessed by the Pope as part of the ceremony, and including them with his own regalia. Music was composed specifically for the event by Giovanni Paisiello, whom Napoleon greatly admired. Jacques-Louis David was commissioned to paint the monumental portrait of the new emperor – and monumental it certainly was, at a size of 20 x 32 feet. Napoleon also ordered a medal to be made, with the front showing his had in the fashion of Ceasar – exactly as Napoleon saw himself.