The ghosts of the old Kings of Spain appearing to their degenerate posterity

Four wrathful ghosts of ancient kings of Spain arrive in a cloud of smoke to condemn Charles IV along with his family and Godoy. The Spanish Bourbons cower on the ground and are aware of their failure to keep the kingdom from Napoleon, who is shown here snatching the crown from Charles's head. On the left of the image, Ferdinand turns towards a ghost and points an accusatory finger at Godoy who bows to bury his head in the queen's lap. While Ferdinand blames Godoy for the royal family's misfortune, the ghost reminds him that as a prince, he is responsible for the family's fate. Sheets of paper sticking out of Godoy's pocket clearly indicate his guilt. Significantly, the papers are labeled "Correspond[ence] Between Godoy & Boney," and "To the Prince [of] Peace." Bowing low, he seeks the queen's protection. However, the queen is herself at fault. Here, she covers her eyes indicating that she is unwilling to acknowledge or watch the spectacle. Mirroring the pose of the Prince, Charles IV, wholly terrified, turns to the ghosts pleading mercy. The miserable excuse he offers meets no sympathy from the specter who responds by cursing the royal family with disgrace and vengeance. Napoleon is indifferent to the apparitions. With a smile on his face he removes the crown from Charles in order to give it to his brother Joseph Bonaparte. John Bull, the fat 'cit' who stands behind Napoleon at the far right of the image, orders him to stop. According to Bull the crown will fit more snugly on Ferdinand's head than it will on Joey's. Four wrathful ghosts of ancient kings of Spain arrive in a cloud of smoke to condemn Charles IV along with his family and Godoy. The Spanish Bourbons cower on the ground and are aware of their failure to keep the kingdom from Napoleon, who is shown here snatching the crown from Charles's head. On the left of the image, Ferdinand turns towards a ghost and points an accusatory finger at Godoy who bows to bury his head in the queen's lap. While Ferdinand blames Godoy for the royal family's misfortune, the ghost reminds him that as a prince, he is responsible for the family's fate. Sheets of paper sticking out of Godoy's pocket clearly indicate his guilt. Significantly, the papers are labeled "Correspond[ence] Between Godoy & Boney," and "To the Prince [of] Peace." Bowing low, he seeks the queen's protection. However, the queen is herself at fault. Here, she covers her eyes indicating that she is unwilling to acknowledge or watch the spectacle. Mirroring the pose of the Prince, Charles IV, wholly terrified, turns to the ghosts pleading mercy. The miserable excuse he offers meets no sympathy from the specter who responds by cursing the royal family with disgrace and vengeance. Napoleon is indifferent to the apparitions. With a smile on his face he removes the crown from Charles in order to give it to his brother Joseph Bonaparte. John Bull, the fat 'cit' who stands behind Napoleon at the far right of the image, orders him to stop. According to Bull the crown will fit more snugly on Ferdinand's head than it will on Joey's. Published by Walker, No. 7, Cornhill. Uncolored engraving. Whereas Broadley attributes this sheet to Ansell, George attributes it to Williams. 1808-07-00 Caption: Pubd July 1808 by Walker No 7 Cornhill Dialogue: Ferdinand: "Here is the cause of our Disgrace." Dialogue: Ancestral Ghost behind Ferdinand: "Remember you are a Prince." Dialogue: Ancestral Ghost behind Charles IV: "Disgrace to your Ancestors, tremble for Vengence will overtake you!" Dialogue: Charles IV: "Oh don't look so frowningly on a poor miserable Old King." Dialogue: Napoleon: "Don't be alarmed my good Friend, I'll take care of your Crown, it can't be in better hands, I think it will fit Brother Joey!" Dialogue: John Bull: "Stop my little Gentleman, you'll find there is a person call'd Ferdinand it will fit much better than Joey." Annotation: 5- [indecipherable]/395 Collector's Mark: [a triangle with a horizontal score mark through it] Collector's Mark: A