This print hail from a deluxe publication that commemorated the coronation of Emperor Napoleon and Empress Josephine on December 2, 1804, in the Church of Notre Dame in Paris. The book, which took eleven years to produce, involved the collaborative efforts of no less than 20 artists. The second half of the publication was devoted to illustrations, accompanied by detailed descriptions, of the ceremonial costumes designed by Jean Baptiste Isabey and worn by all of the important individuals in attendance. Most sumptuous were the Emperor’s and Empress’s robes, which were decorated with golden bees, Napoleon’s official symbol."