Boneys broken bridge

Standing in the center of the image, Napoleon turns to address a French officer on his right. Napoleon extends his left hand and gestures towards the ruins of a stone bridge that he describes as a "Shocking Accident." The officer removes his hat and timidly suggests that the destruction of the bridge was the act of the "Austrian Fire Boats" and therefore, no accident. Several French grenadiers stand behind the officer and look on with dismay, either at the claims of Napoleon, or at those of the officer. On the far right of the image, an army, led by the Arch Duke of Austria on horseback approaches. Flags and guns held high, they celebrate by singing a perverse rhyme based on the nursery rhyme "London Bridge." Standing in the center of the image, Napoleon turns to address a French officer on his right. Napoleon extends his left hand and gestures towards the ruins of a stone bridge that he describes as a "Shocking Accident." The officer removes his hat and timidly suggests that the destruction of the bridge was the act of the "Austrian Fire Boats" and therefore, no accident. Several French grenadiers stand behind the officer and look on with dismay, either at the claims of Napoleon, or at those of the officer. On the far right of the image, an army, led by the Arch Duke of Austria on horseback approaches. Flags and guns held high, they celebrate by singing a perverse rhyme based on the nursery rhyme "London Bridge." Published by R. Ackermann. George notes that this satire parodies Napoleon's bulletin in which he claimed that the bridge was destroyed by 'floating timber.' In actuality, the bridge was destroyed by Austrian barges. (vol. viii, 811) 1809-06-12 Caption: Pubd June 12th by R. Ackermann No 101 Strand Dialogue: French Officer (l.): "With all due defference to your little Majesty--it was the Austrian Fire Boats that destroyed the Bridge." Napoleon: "Ah! who is it that dares contradict me. I say it was some floating timber, and the swell of the river that caused the Shocking Accident." Archduke Charles and rank of Austrian soldiers: "Boneys Bridge is broken down/ Dance over the Lady Lea/ Boney's Bridge is broken down By an Arch-Duke-ee!!" Annotation: 47/1 Collector's Mark: A