Political chess players, or Boney bewilder'd__John Bull supporting the table

A game of chess is spread over a terrestrial globe and covers Continental Europe. John Bull cheerfully bends forward to support the globe on his ample back. He seems not to mind the coins and paper money that spill from his pockets, and reasserts his promise not to flinch. Napoleon has climbed up on a ladder that is splitting from the bottom rungs. Although he is quite literally on top of the world, Napoleon's power is clearly slipping through his fingers. His crown is falling from his head and a medal on his chest, inscribed "Honor Lost," counterbalances the Legion of Honor medal next to it. The chess board itself also indicates his decline. Napoleon has lost the majority of his pieces and is in danger of losing his King, here labeled "Paris." Bernadotte and Alexander I actively engage in the play on the board. The Czar gazes at Napoleon as he moves a knight. Napoleon does not return his look; instead, he tears his hair in contemplation of his next move. Standing to the right of Bull, Wellington watches Napoleon's reaction to Alexander's move. He stands at the ready in an elegant pose with his hands on the hilt of his unsheathed sword. Of all the figures represented, Wellington is clearly the most heroic. He is rendered in full length profile and wears a highly decorated uniform on which the star of the order of St. George is displayed. Other European leaders cluster around the chess game and offer comments of support and advice. Francis I stands on the left of the satire and wears a tall fur hat with a skull and cross bones and a uniform decorated with the Hapsburg eagle. On the far right of the sheet, Ferdinand VII of Spain rushes onto the scene. A game of chess is spread over a terrestrial globe and covers Continental Europe. John Bull cheerfully bends forward to support the globe on his ample back. He seems not to mind the coins and paper money that spill from his pockets, and reasserts his promise not to flinch. Napoleon has climbed up on a ladder that is splitting from the bottom rungs. Although he is quite literally on top of the world, Napoleon's power is clearly slipping through his fingers. His crown is falling from his head and a medal on his chest, inscribed "Honor Lost," counterbalances the Legion of Honor medal next to it. The chess board itself also indicates his decline. Napoleon has lost the majority of his pieces and is in danger of losing his King, here labeled "Paris." Bernadotte and Alexander I actively engage in the play on the board. The Czar gazes at Napoleon as he moves a knight. Napoleon does not return his look; instead, he tears his hair in contemplation of his next move. Standing to the right of Bull, Wellington watches Napoleon's reaction to Alexander's move. He stands at the ready in an elegant pose with his hands on the hilt of his unsheathed sword. Of all the figures represented, Wellington is clearly the most heroic. He is rendered in full length profile and wears a highly decorated uniform on which the star of the order of St. George is displayed. Other European leaders cluster around the chess game and offer comments of support and advice. Francis I stands on the left of the satire and wears a tall fur hat with a skull and cross bones and a uniform decorated with the Hapsburg eagle. On the far right of the sheet, Ferdinand VII of Spain rushes onto the scene. Uncolored engraving, published by Hannah Humphrey. George notes that at the time this sheet was published, Napoleon was enjoying a run of success in battles. Moreover, George writes that 'Unknown to the artist, Wellington's expected offensive began on 14 Fe., leading to the battle of Orthez on 27 Feb.' 1814-03-01 Dialogue: Frederick William: "Check Mate--by all thats good." Dialogue: Bernadotte: "Stand by us Johnny! never mind your money dropping out of your pocketts." Dialogue: Monarch at Alexander's left: "Let us only mind our motions Brother and we shall be sure of the Game." Dialogue: Napoleon: "Which way shall I move! how shall I manoeuver. I am afraid I shall lose my King as well as my men and Knights." Dialogue: John Bull (standing underneath globe): "Never fear my Lads! only mind your play, John Bull won't flinch let what will happen." Dialogue: Monarch welcoming Ferdinand VII: "Your just in time to see your old kidnapper loose the game he thought himself the best player in World." Dialogue: Ferdinand VII: "I am releas'd on condition of taking share in a rubber with him but I shall not consider compulsion binding." Printed Signature: G. H. Invt Annotation: 1814, 6-- Annotation: 201 [circled and struck through], 1394 [circled] Annotation: TH264 Collector's Mark: A