The art historian explores the life and career of French painter Jacques-Louis David, whose best-known works include a series of portraits of Napoleon Bonaparte. From an early age, David was determined to become a great artist, but it was only after spending years mastering his craft in Rome that his work caught the attention of his peers, leading to commissions from King Louis XVI. The revolution saw him become more politicised, and the ensuing tumultuous years prompted him to create propagandist work, but after Bonaparte seized power and named David First Painter to the Emperor, the glory went to his head, resulting in his eventual downfall.