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Louis XIV Commissions Versailles
This portrait is emblematic of the image of wealth and status that Louis XIV wanted to create around him. He is adorned in lavish robes and wearing the colour purple which is indicative of wealth and power in France. He also had the painting commissioned at Versailles which was his palace he constructed on the outskirts of Paris to be a symbol of strength and power of the monarchy.
Portrait of Louis XIV- Hyacinthe Rigaud,1701, oil on canvas -
Napoleon ratifies the Napoleonic Codes
The significance of the codes were that it created for the first time a civil structure that France had been lacking until then. While on the surface it the idea of equal rights before the law seemed positive, the establishment of the subserviency of women to men seemed to be overlooked due to the image of Napoleon as the saviour of the people. https://www.thoughtco.com/the-napoleonic-code-code-napoleon-1221918 -
Napoleon consecrates himself as emperor
This source is relevant because it signifies the return of France to an autocracy. Napoleon's consecration marked a distinct departure from the Republican government had previously experienced however since the people were so enamoured with Napoleon and his personality cult was so strong, there was no vocal objection to this. Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825) , Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon I and Coronation of the Empress Josephine, oil on canvas, 621cm x 979cm, Louvre, 1805-07 -
Trial of 21 was a public show trial charging prominent Bolshevik leaders with treason
This is a poster of a parade where participants are carrying signs with Stalin’s face on this. The significance of this source is that it it’s a clear indication of the efficacy of his cult of personality. The state parade became all about the leader there were no Soviet flags to be seen, just signs with its leaders face on it.- https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/these-soviet-propaganda-posters-meant-to-evoke-heroism-pride