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A Delicate Finish to a French Usurper

April 20, 1814
Not on view
Napoleon sits on a chair of state with skulls for arm rests. He has just vomited the "Throne of France". Above him flies Time about to place an extinguisher on Napoleon's head, and holding an hour glass. Next to the emperor stands Blucher at the head of a line of Allied generals and sovereigns. At the far end of the line is Wellington, then the Tsar, then the Emperor of Austria. At Napoleon's feet lies a crown marked tyrant, and strips of paper representing the countries he has disgorged. Behind him young girls dance holding up a shield adorned with the Bourbon fleur-de-lis. Represents the consequences of Leipzig.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: A Delicate Finish to a French Usurper
  • Artist: Thomas Rowlandson (British, London 1757–1827 London)
  • Artist: After John Nixon (British, London bap. 1755–1818 Ryde, Isle of Wight)
  • Publisher: Published London by James Asperne (British, 1757–1820)
  • Subject: Napoléon Bonaparte (French, Ajaccio 1769–1821 St. Helena)
  • Date: April 20, 1814
  • Medium: Hand-colored etching
  • Dimensions: Plate: 9 5/8 × 13 11/16 in. (24.5 × 34.7 cm)
    Sheet: 10 1/16 × 14 3/8 in. (25.5 × 36.5 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1959
  • Object Number: 59.533.1561
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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The Sailor's Return from Active Service, Thomas Rowlandson British, Watercolor
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Departure of Blanchard and Jeffries' Balloon from Dover, January 7, 1785
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Ships and Sailors
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