Old bumblehead the 18th trying on the Napoleon boots--or, preparing for the Spanish campaign
Seated in a wheelchair throne, the enormously obese Louis XVIII (center r.) attempts to stuff his large gouty feet into a pair of slender boots left by Napoleon. As he struggles in effort, his crown falls from his head into the waiting arms of Napoleon's heir, the former King of Rome, who reaches out to grab it. In the distance, a guillotine (l.) hovers as an ominous sign. Seated in a wheelchair throne, the enormously obese Louis XVIII (center r.) attempts to stuff his large gouty feet into a pair of slender boots left by Napoleon. As he struggles in effort, his crown falls from his head into the waiting arms of Napoleon's heir, the former King of Rome, who reaches out to grab it. In the distance, a guillotine (l.) hovers as an ominous sign. Published by J. Fairburn, 1823-02-17. British Museum, BM 14502. Caption: Feb'y 17 1823 Pubd by J Fairburn Broadway Ludgate Hill London Dialogue: Louis XVIII: "Oh! God of Saint Louis assist me for tho' I have had my heels well rub'd with Bears grease yet I am afraid I shall find it a d___d awkward job." Dialogue: Napoleon II: "The Boots won't fit you Old Bourbon--I'll try them on by & by."
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