Summary: Napoleon On His Imperial Throne

Napoleon on His Imperial Throne

The development of art practices during the 1800s still exist modern day. During the 1800s art depicted the lifestyle of the wealthy. Artists focused on the creation of positive narratives when quoting the lives of Europeans. Unfortunately, African American lives were quoted through the use of negative narratives. They were included in works of art that involved slavery or incidents when they were oppressed. Many modern artists use previous artwork to create new meanings out of it. Kehinde Wiley, quoted Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres’ Napoleon on His Imperial Throne (1805) to create a positive narrative for people of color in his painting, Ice T (2005). Slight adjustments such as changing the race of an individual

His throne resembles sovereignty. It is flushed with gold and finely detailed engravings. Ingres uses the symbolism of an eagle in the creation of Napoleon’s throne to employ that he is the king. The armrests are topped with ivory spheres. His right hand has a steady grip on the scepter of Charlemagne while his left hand supports a golden staff topped with the teaching symbol (Goodman). Additionally, under his left arm appears a very detailed sword. Collectively, each individual object presented in this portrait engages to establish a much larger sense of authority, prestige, and respect given to

Instead of Napoleon sitting on the throne, Wiley paints Ice-T into the portrait. Ice-T is an African American modern actor and rapper. The African American rapper lost his parents during his childhood causing him to move to Southern California to live with his aunt (“Ice-T”). Ice-T eventually got involved with crime and violence until rap saved him (“Ice-T”). Many children of minorities experience rough childhoods similar to Ice-T’s and feel as if there is no hope to escape the struggle. Wiley’s artwork is created in an attempt to motivate the youth and people of minority groups to strive for success. People of color are also capable of accomplishing things Whites are praised for