Napoleon, the Corsican phoenix

Inspired by the German hieroglyphic portrait of Napoleon by Voltz, this broadside shows a bust of Napoleon (reversed compositionally) comprised of symbols representing his horrible deeds. The text printed in bold letters under the bust explains the nefarious meaning of each element of this emblematic representation. Here, Napoleon's cocked hat has been transformed into a crowing and startled Gallic cock that spreads its wings in imitation of the outline-form of the famous hat. Two skulls imprinted with N. and B., Napoleon's initials, are "branded" on his left cheek, facing the viewer. Next, a serpent devouring its own tail circles his neck. The braided epaulette on the right shoulder of his jacket has been transformed into a golden hand grasping a dagger. Attached to this is a gold chain that takes the place of the braid on the breast of the uniform. The spotted pelt of a leopard is wrapped around the shoulders of this travestied portrait so that the paw of the animal appears on the left shoulder roughly where the left epaulette ought to be. This paw, claws out, holds a golden scepter topped with an imperial eagle and terrestrial globe. On his chest, two medals side by side--a heart overflowing with ambition and the medal of the Legion of Honor--decorate his jacket. Directly under the medals, a burst of flames laps upwards and threatens to consume the bust. The total effect of this composition is awkward when compared to other hieroglyphic portraits. Yet, because the image is so strikingly odd, and because the text is so prominent, it catches the viewer's attention. Inspired by the German hieroglyphic portrait of Napoleon by Voltz, this broadside shows a bust of Napoleon (reversed compositionally) comprised of symbols representing his horrible deeds. The text printed in bold letters under the bust explains the nefarious meaning of each element of this emblematic representation. Here, Napoleon's cocked hat has been transformed into a crowing and startled Gallic cock that spreads its wings in imitation of the outline-form of the famous hat. Two skulls imprinted with N. and B., Napoleon's initials, are "branded" on his left cheek, facing the viewer. Next, a serpent devouring its own tail circles his neck. The braided epaulette on the right shoulder of his jacket has been transformed into a golden hand grasping a dagger. Attached to this is a gold chain that takes the place of the braid on the breast of the uniform. The spotted pelt of a leopard is wrapped around the shoulders of this travestied portrait so that the paw of the animal appears on the left shoulder roughly where the left epaulette ought to be. This paw, claws out, holds a golden scepter topped with an imperial eagle and terrestrial globe. On his chest, two medals side by side--a heart overflowing with ambition and the medal of the Legion of Honor--decorate his jacket. Directly under the medals, a burst of flames laps upwards and threatens to consume the bust. The total effect of this composition is awkward when compared to other hieroglyphic portraits. Yet, because the image is so strikingly odd, and because the text is so prominent, it catches the viewer's attention. This sheet is not signed or dated. George attribues the publication of this sheet to 'John Fairburn, junior, 4 Fountain Court Minories.' She also suggests that it may have been issued in April of 1815; Broadley proposes May of the same year. Caption: The Hat of Napoleon represents the Gallic Cock, his wings expanded, and crowing confident of success.---The Initial of his Name is branded on his Face, as a mark of Infamy.---His Throat is encircled with a Serpent, signifying that he who rises up against his lawful Sovereign, encounters with a Serpent and shall meet with venomous and deadly repulses.---His Coat is embroidered with a Chain, representing the chain of incidents of Tyranny and Slavery, which many nations have experienced and groaned under by his boundless ambition.---His Epaulette is a Hand grasping a Dagger, an emblem of Usurpation, Assassination, and Horror.---On his Breast is a Heart, overflowing with Ambition to regain his lost Territory, and make the world bend under his Yoke.---Around his Body is a Leopard's Skin; the paw of the Leopard grasps a Sceptre, an emblem of an incorrigible and crafty Villain, the Skin containing such spots as no art can remove or whiten.---His Figure is enveloped in Flame, figurative of the horrors of War and Bloodshed.