From the desk to the throne -- A new quick step by Joseph Bonaparte the bass by Messrs. Nappy and Tally

Uncolored engraving. Joseph Bonaparte delicately balances on the edge of a rail running down the peaked top of a double-sided desk. Standing en pointe, he extends his left leg towards a map of Spain and Portugal hung high on the background wall; the toe of his foot lands precisely on Madrid, located in the center of the map. As an extra burden to his precarious position, the crown of Spain along with other trappings of power, descends into his upraised arms. Reaching upwards, Joseph drops a quill, the tool of a Notary Clerk. The four clerks working at the desk crane their necks upwards and comment on Joseph's attempts to rise above his station. Such disregard for social station can only lead to disaster. Uncolored engraving. Joseph Bonaparte delicately balances on the edge of a rail running down the peaked top of a double-sided desk. Standing en pointe, he extends his left leg towards a map of Spain and Portugal hung high on the background wall; the toe of his foot lands precisely on Madrid, located in the center of the map. As an extra burden to his precarious position, the crown of Spain along with other trappings of power, descends into his upraised arms. Reaching upwards, Joseph drops a quill, the tool of a Notary Clerk. The four clerks working at the desk crane their necks upwards and comment on Joseph's attempts to rise above his station. Such disregard for social station can only lead to disaster. Published by R. Ackermann. 1808-08-18 Caption: Pubd August 18th 1808 by R. Ackermann N 101 Strand Dialogue: Notary clerk, far left: "But proverbs tell of many Slips/Between the tankard & the Lips/And really I am apt to give/The proverb credit as I live" Dialogue: Notary clerk, center left: "Why Joseph wither art thou going." Dialogue: Notary clerk, center right: "He must needs go whom the Devil drives and should it cost his Neck." Dialogue: Notary clerk, far right: "Ownds! What a prodigious step for a Notary's clerk." Dialogue: Joseph Bonaparte: "Wither--but to fill my high destiny? And like my noble Brother sway the Sceptre of another." Printed Signature: Rowlandson f. Annotation: 5- Collector's Mark: [a triangle with a horizontal score mark through the center] Collector's Mark: A Label(s): Notary Public Bayonne