Final answer:
The statement is true; artists like Jacques-Louis David were commissioned by Napoleon to create propagandistic art that glorified his rule and depicted him as a heroic and idealized leader.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true: A political tyrant under the rule of Napoleon, this artist used art as a tool for propaganda. Jacques-Louis David, among others, was an artist who utilized art for propagandistic purposes during Napoleon's reign. Napoleon mastered the manipulation of his image through artworks, with artists like David, Antoine-Jean Gros, and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres producing celebrated works that emphasized Napoleon's military might, his connections with the Roman emperors, and his ideological lineage.
David, in particular, had served as the official painter to Napoleon and was deeply involved in creating a heroic and idealized image of the emperor, enhancing the propaganda efforts. This is exemplified by the fact that Napoleon was flattered by David's works to the extent that he commissioned multiple versions of the same portrait to be displayed across his European empire, including in Madrid, Paris, and Milan.
Through art, Napoleon and his selected artists were able to convey a powerful message that resonated with the French people and others across his empire, showcasing his ability to lead with sound judgment and composure even if the historical accuracy was sometimes questionable.