Napoleon reikt de vlaggen uit aan het leger after 1810

This print, created by an anonymous artist, depicts Napoleon distributing flags to his army. The image shows a moment of carefully staged political theater, designed to solidify Napoleon’s image as a powerful leader and to inspire loyalty among his troops. Made in France, during a period of intense social and political change, the artwork visually encodes the values of the Napoleonic regime. The flags themselves, symbols of national identity and military might, are presented as gifts bestowed by Napoleon himself. This establishes a direct link between the leader and his army, reinforcing a sense of personal loyalty. The composition, with Napoleon elevated on a platform, reinforces the hierarchy of power. To fully understand the social and institutional context of this print, scholars examine military records and political documents. By studying such sources, we see how art played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and consolidating power during Napoleon's reign.