The Nail and the Emperor
A bold and minimalist tribute to Napoleon Bonaparte — composed of 1,111 hand-placed black steel nails, arranged with surgical precision on matte white acrylic glass.
Created without paint or print, this portrait captures the commanding presence of the French emperor through contrast, depth, and tension. From a distance, his silhouette appears crisp and powerful. Up close, the image breaks into rhythm — each nail a calculated strike, a point of pressure in a field of order.
Mounted on matte white acrylic glass and framed in a solid matte black wooden float frame, The Nail and the Emperor fuses historical gravitas with modern restraint — raw, tactile, and timeless.
This piece is part of a limited edition of 5, each handcrafted and subtly distinct, yet true to the same artistic vision.
Details
• Title: The Nail and the Emperor
• Edition: Limited to 5 pieces
• Medium: 1,111 black steel nails
• Background: Matte white acrylic glass
• Frame: Matte black wooden float frame (ready to hang)
• Year: 2025
• Signed on the reverse
• Certificate of Authenticity included (digital version available upon request)
• Dimensions: 52x52
From the Art with Nails series by TD Fine Art Studio
See behind-the-scenes or explore the full collection on Instagram
