Perhaps the most famous piece of art Napoleon used as propaganda is Napoleon Crossing the Alps, an idealized image of the man on horseback by the great French painter Jacques-Louis David. Originally presented as a gift from the King of Spain, Napoleon liked the portrait so much he commissioned further copies. It was subsequently reproduced in posters and other forms and became the most famous image of the emperor. It captures all of his greatness in totally idealized form: the military leader on horseback, regal and commanding, crossing the Alps. This symbolically demonstrates his power over not just France, but also all of Europe.

A second noteworthy piece is The Coronation of Napoleon, also by David. This work was completed in 1807. By that time, David had become Napoleon's official painter, and there are other works associated with the artist that serve the purpose of propaganda. This one is particularly designed to highlight Napoleon's total domination of Europe. It commemorates the event of his coronation in 1804 as he places the crown of Emperor of Europe on his own head. Seated deferentially behind him is the Pope. The painting is noteworthy for its vast size. It is an impressively large canvas. Further, it features detailed depictions of all the major political figures in France at this time. However, the center of attention is clearly on Napoleon.