Royal Gallery

A large gallery of portraits painted on a wall can be found somewhere in the Fire Nation Royal Palace. These portraits picture images of countless Fire Lords that ruled over the Nation. The court painter is the person in charge of making these remarkable artworks.

Even though there seem to be a vast collection of these portraits situated inside the royal palace, only a handful was shown on the series. This includes the Firelords that reigned during the hundred year war.

Speculations
The information below are merely conjectures of what each of the Firelords' portraits depict. Although they are simply theories, they are plausible and reasonable explanations of the portraits.

Portrait of Sozin's Grandfather
The name of this Fire Lord is currently unknown. He is the grandfather of Firelord Sozin and the great-grandfather of Firelord Azulon.

His portrait shows him in the traditional clothing of the Firelord although the shade of red is much darker and the black colors are more prominent. He also had a different fire symbol at the center of his robe. Like all the other Firelord paintings, he is shown to be firebending.

Flowers can be seen at his feet as well as a large circular image resembling a flower behind. It is plausible that this Firelord leaned on the philosophy of the Sun Warriors' philosophy that fire is life. Images of what seem to be water can be found beneath his feet which can also mean that this Firelord lived in an era of peace and tranquility.

A black sun is seen behind the Firelord's head. This may mean that an eclipse occurred sometime during his reign. It is possible that it is the eclipse known as "The Darkest Day in Fire Nation History."

Portrait of Sozin's Father
Similar to Firelord Sozin's grandfather, the name of this Firelord wasn't stated in the series. He is the father of Firelord Sozin and the grandfather of Firelord Azulon.

His attire's design is very similar to the Firelord's clothing that Firelord Ozai and Firelord Zuko wore. Unlike the previous Firelord's, his robe had more gold linings. A balance of red and black is also present in his clothing. He is also firebending in his portrait.

An image of what seems to be an object depicting the four cardinal directions is seen on this Firelord's left hand. A possible explanation would be that he was more inclined to exploration.

Another element that may support the theory of him being inclined in exploration are the clouds around him and is obviously treated as high regard in the painting.

Portrait of Firelord Sozin
Unlike the previous paintings of the Firelords, Firelord Sozin's portrait shows him to be aged. He had white hair on his painting. A reasonable explanation would be because he started the war, an act which he was glorified by his country, after Avatar Roku's death in which he was already at his 50's.

He started the war by harnessing the power of a comet. That specific comet is clearly seen passing above his head. He was the one who founded that comet and used its power to wipe out the Air Nomads. The comet was then named after him.

Since he started the hundred year war and is more inclined in the military aspects of his rule, five firebenders are also placed below him.

He is shown holding a scroll on his left hand. It is probably because Firelord Sozin made countless reforms and testaments during his rule, including his last writings about his history with Avatar Roku.

Portrait of Firelord Azulon
Firelord Azulon was known to be a master of firebending. His firebending was known to be legendary. This explains why he held up two fireballs in his painting.

Azulon stood on top of a turtle, an animal that lives both on land and in water, signifying his military successes over both the Earth Kingdom and the Water Tribes. It was during his rule that he dominated over the Southern Water Tribe and broke through the walls of Ba Sing Se.

His attire is slightly different from the previous Firelords.

Portrait of Firelord Ozai
Firelord Ozai had eyes over the throne since he was a prince even though he was the second born child. He was a belligerent Firelord and had several plans for the world including his goal to be the supreme ruler of all. This may explain why his portrait was so much extravagant compared to the others even though he only ruled for a short five years.

The flames he held on his hands were colored in black. Several pipes breathing out fire and golden cogs can be seen below his image. This intends to show the significant improvement and build up of the Fire Nation's industry and technology.