Dieu et le chef de L'Eglise protege Napoléon

This image links Napoleon's rule to divine protection and is clearly not a satire or a caricature. Instead, this image glorifies Napoleon. Solar rays emanate from God, the central figure of the image. He puts his arms around Napoleon (left) and the Pope (right) who flank him on either side. The group is seated on a cloud bank that is supported on the outstretched wings of a large eagle. Given the subject matter of the image, it was likely created in celebration of Napoleon's coronation in 1803. The sun iconography and the eagle are both imperial symbols--the sun having specific importance in the French monarchic tradition. The image also implies that Napoleon had the earthly approval of the Pope, which further suggests dating the image to the time shortly after Napoleon's coronation. This image links Napoleon's rule to divine protection and is clearly not a satire or a caricature. Instead, this image glorifies Napoleon. Solar rays emanate from God, the central figure of the image. He puts his arms around Napoleon (left) and the Pope (right) who flank him on either side. The group is seated on a cloud bank that is supported on the outstretched wings of a large eagle. Given the subject matter of the image, it was likely created in celebration of Napoleon's coronation in 1803. The sun iconography and the eagle are both imperial symbols--the sun having specific importance in the French monarchic tradition. The image also implies that Napoleon had the earthly approval of the Pope, which further suggests dating the image to the time shortly after Napoleon's coronation. This print is not dated or signed. Caption: Dépôsé à la Bibliothèque Annotation: nt Collector's Mark: 'S' and 'J' intertwined inside a circle