French Generals receiving an English charge

Napoleon sits on a throne located in the center of the image. Talleyrand sits at his right. To their left, a group of officers is clustered around a table. In the right background, French guards stand at attention. All of the figures in this image are engaged in looking at British satires of the Napoleonic conflict. They are shown laughing--an expression that exaggerates their already grotesqued features--and are sharing the "charge" of the satires. The prints they look at are turned so that the viewer can see them as well. Many of the prints are even identifiable by their titles, or by the subject matter. Yet, it is unclear whether the French comprehend that they are the true targets of the satires that amuse them. We, the viewers of this print, are made to understand that our position is superior in that we recognize the satires within the satire, and we simultaneously recognize that the French soldiers are equally victims of satire. Napoleon sits on a throne located in the center of the image. Talleyrand sits at his right. To their left, a group of officers is clustered around a table. In the right background, French guards stand at attention. All of the figures in this image are engaged in looking at British satires of the Napoleonic conflict. They are shown laughing--an expression that exaggerates their already grotesqued features--and are sharing the "charge" of the satires. The prints they look at are turned so that the viewer can see them as well. Many of the prints are even identifiable by their titles, or by the subject matter. Yet, it is unclear whether the French comprehend that they are the true targets of the satires that amuse them. We, the viewers of this print, are made to understand that our position is superior in that we recognize the satires within the satire, and we simultaneously recognize that the French soldiers are equally victims of satire. This image is not signed by the artist. Dialogue: Talleyrand: "Aha, dis be de great Commander at Dunkirk, who swim like a fish, Drink like a Duck, & run like a Greyhound." Napoleon: "Aye, Talley, this is not the way I reward merit by putting inexperienced Boys over the heads of experienced Veterans." French Officer: "Oh vat great General, take de Garrison of a Pulpit under de direction of his Whore - ha de Dutch Women did laugh him at de Helder." French Officer: "Dere is nothing to be feared from such Petticoat Commanders remember Valenceines." French Officer: "Ha ha, raise de Wind." Inscription: Pubd by S. W. Fores, 50 Piccadilly, April 28th 1809.