Napoleons stuffen jahre

This image is one example of a type of Napoleonic satire especially popular in German imagery. In it, Napoleon's rise and eventual fall from power is described as a series of steps leading up to and away from his coronation as Emperor of France. While other versions of this type end in Napoleon's imagined death, the progression in this image ends with his exile to Elba. This final step is elaborately depicted in a hollow carved in the base of the steps. In this archway Napoleon sits under a willow tree and weeps into a handkerchief. A scroll on the ground in front of him identifies the scene and setting: "Das grosse Reich/ Insel/ Elba." Each of the steps leading up to his coronation is an example of his promotion through various military roles. The steps leading to his exile are examples of his failed military campaigns. This image is one example of a type of Napoleonic satire especially popular in German imagery. In it, Napoleon's rise and eventual fall from power is described as a series of steps leading up to and away from his coronation as Emperor of France. While other versions of this type end in Napoleon's imagined death, the progression in this image ends with his exile to Elba. This final step is elaborately depicted in a hollow carved in the base of the steps. In this archway Napoleon sits under a willow tree and weeps into a handkerchief. A scroll on the ground in front of him identifies the scene and setting: "Das grosse Reich/ Insel/ Elba." Each of the steps leading up to his coronation is an example of his promotion through various military roles. The steps leading to his exile are examples of his failed military campaigns. Label(s): Corsischer Knabe, Militair Schüler, Lieutenant, General, Consul, Kaiser, Abschied aus Spanien, Schlittenfahrt aus Moscau, sLebewohl aus Deutschland, Ende