Triumph des Jahres 1813. Den Deutschen zum Neuenjahr

Napoleon's profile bust is here comprised of several diabolic elements. First, a crouching eagle forms his hat. Next, his head is modeled by an ingeniously arranged pile of corpses that is supported by a red band at his neck signifying a river of blood. The fabric of Napoleon's uniform is a map of Germany studded with crossed swords that indicate major battle sites. The spider in the center of its octagonal web takes the place of the medal of the Legion of Honor. Significantly, the golden epaulette/hand has grasped one of this threads of the web and is just about to unravel it. Often text describing the function of each element was published along with the sheet. In the case of this image, although the text is absent, one can assume it very closely followed that of other versions of this satire. Napoleon's profile bust is here comprised of several diabolic elements. First, a crouching eagle forms his hat. Next, his head is modeled by an ingeniously arranged pile of corpses that is supported by a red band at his neck signifying a river of blood. The fabric of Napoleon's uniform is a map of Germany studded with crossed swords that indicate major battle sites. The spider in the center of its octagonal web takes the place of the medal of the Legion of Honor. Significantly, the golden epaulette/hand has grasped one of this threads of the web and is just about to unravel it. Often text describing the function of each element was published along with the sheet. In the case of this image, although the text is absent, one can assume it very closely followed that of other versions of this satire. Not signed or dated. This highly emblematic caricature of Napoleon was issued as a New Year's card to commemorate German victory over Napoleon in the year 1813. This version in the Hay Library is one of many reproductions made after the sheet engraved by the Henschel brothers of Berlin. According to the catalog, 'Napoleon Im Spiegel der Karikatur,' the brothers managed to sell 20,000 copies of this image in the week of December 9, 1813 alone. Not only was this image popular in Germany, but versions were also sold in England, France, Holland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Russia with great success. Label(s): Rhein F., Weser F., Elbe F., Oder F., Weichsel F. Label(s): Hochst, Hanau, Ehrfort, Culm, Lutzen, Leipzig, Denewitz, Gr. Beeren, Heinau, Katzbach.