The Gallic Magi led by the Imperial comet

Napoleon and Marie-Louise sit side by side on an elaborate throne that is elevated by a dais. On their right, a grotesque nursemaid, Mme. de Montesquiou, holds up the infant King of Rome so that he might better view the comet in whose light he basks. Emperor and empress both follow their son's gaze at the comet in the sky. Napoleon even uses a huge telescope for his viewing. The comet is a medallion featuring the Young King, who, except for a plumed bicorne hat, is nude. In his outstretched arms he carries a bowl, while the Gallic cock perches in the small of his back. In flight, the apparition propels himself through the atmosphere by a gaseous tail he expels from his bare bottom. This tail, rendered here as rays of light, radiates down on the young King in his nurse's arms. Leaning back in his seat to better view the comet, Napoleon casually drapes his right leg over Marie-Louise's left thigh. This gesture of sexual appropriation is matched by the empress whose left hand--although extended in amazement--hovers over Napoleon's lap. Whereas the empress is elegantly dressed, her buxom form and nonchalance suggest humble beginnings. Likewise, Napoleon's Hessian boots and easy manner indicate his obscure origins. Following the comet predicted in their astronomical charts, four foppish French men have arrived to pay their obeisance to the new heir. Yet instead of honoring the child, they focus their lecherous attention on the extended slipper of Marie-Louise. A travesty of the Adoration of the Magi, this satire heralds the unfortunate event brought by a comet--a portent of evil. Napoleon and Marie-Louise sit side by side on an elaborate throne that is elevated by a dais. On their right, a grotesque nursemaid, Mme. de Montesquiou, holds up the infant King of Rome so that he might better view the comet in whose light he basks. Emperor and empress both follow their son's gaze at the comet in the sky. Napoleon even uses a huge telescope for his viewing. The comet is a medallion featuring the Young King, who, except for a plumed bicorne hat, is nude. In his outstretched arms he carries a bowl, while the Gallic cock perches in the small of his back. In flight, the apparition propels himself through the atmosphere by a gaseous tail he expels from his bare bottom. This tail, rendered here as rays of light, radiates down on the young King in his nurse's arms. Leaning back in his seat to better view the comet, Napoleon casually drapes his right leg over Marie-Louise's left thigh. This gesture of sexual appropriation is matched by the empress whose left hand--although extended in amazement--hovers over Napoleon's lap. Whereas the empress is elegantly dressed, her buxom form and nonchalance suggest humble beginnings. Likewise, Napoleon's Hessian boots and easy manner indicate his obscure origins. Following the comet predicted in their astronomical charts, four foppish French men have arrived to pay their obeisance to the new heir. Yet instead of honoring the child, they focus their lecherous attention on the extended slipper of Marie-Louise. A travesty of the Adoration of the Magi, this satire heralds the unfortunate event brought by a comet--a portent of evil. Published by Thomas Tegg, 111 Cheapside, Sept. 24, 1811. Caption: Pubd Sept 24 1811 by Thos Tegg 111 Cheapside Inscription: Price one Shilling Coloured Printed Signature: Elmes scul. Plate Mark: 92