The oath of allegiance to the infant King of Rome

This satire depicts a large imperial ceremony. The infant King of Rome straddles the cross that tops his crown. In one hand he holds a rattle, in the other he extends a large sword to the kneeling pope. As he bends to kiss the sword, the Pope's crozier breaks on the steps. Other Catholic bishops crowd around waiting their turn to pledge their allegiance. In the midst of all this pomp and circumstance, a small dog (l.) urinates on the crown. Napleon and Marie Louise watch from their thrones raised on a dais. While Marie Louise gestures with pride at her child, Napoleon shrinks back into his seat and clutches a roll of paper bearing the title "Oath of Allegiance." This satire depicts a large imperial ceremony. The infant King of Rome straddles the cross that tops his crown. In one hand he holds a rattle, in the other he extends a large sword to the kneeling pope. As he bends to kiss the sword, the Pope's crozier breaks on the steps. Other Catholic bishops crowd around waiting their turn to pledge their allegiance. In the midst of all this pomp and circumstance, a small dog (l.) urinates on the crown. Napleon and Marie Louise watch from their thrones raised on a dais. While Marie Louise gestures with pride at her child, Napoleon shrinks back into his seat and clutches a roll of paper bearing the title "Oath of Allegiance." Published by Thomas Tegg, 1813-01-12. British Museum, BM 11998. For a comparison of themes, see 'Debuteys Apointed by the Legislative body doing Homage to the King of Rome,' Broadley 269, BM 11735. Caption: Pubd June 12 1818 by Thos Tegg No 111 Cheapside London