Napoleon in the Chamber of Deputies, from the Political and Military Life of Napoleon 1822 - 1826

Charles Motte created this print, Napoleon in the Chamber of Deputies, to be included in the series, Political and Military Life of Napoleon. The lithograph immortalizes Napoleon, focusing on the height of his political power, amid the long shadow of the French Revolution and the subsequent restoration of the monarchy. Note the architecture that frames the scene: classical columns, arches, and rows of men in dark suits. These formal elements speak to the importance of male-dominated political spaces during the 19th century. As Napoleon stands in the center, he becomes an emblem of authority within a society undergoing dramatic transformations. Motte’s work asks us to consider how leaders shape national identity and how political actions resonate through art. It reflects the complex interplay between individual ambition, historical events, and collective memory. The print invites reflection on the shifting tides of power and the figures who navigate them.