Caterer's__Boney dish'd__a bonne bouche for Europe

This crowded satire sketches the relationships amongst European heads of state after Leipzig. The composition of the image is constructed of concentric circles of figures. Set in the middle of an oval serving platter, Napoleon is joined by his officers who sit, bound, at the edge of the platter. Next, the heads of Europe are seated at the round table to contemplate this dish set in the center. The diners discuss the serving platter in the middle of the table, on which Napoleon and several key French officers who had been captured by the Allies are arranged. Other European figures stand behind the seated diners, surrounding them to form the outermost ring of the system. Ironically, Napoleon is the central point around which all are organized. Yet Napoleon, who has been reduced in size and is now the main course for European leaders. Napoleon is on bended knee with arms flung wide open, thereby exposing his star-shaped medal of the Legion of Honor. French officers are placed in a circle around their "sun"; they face inward and have their hands tied behind their backs. Inscriptions on the platter indicate that "Souham," "Regnier," "Marmont," "Macdonald," and "Lauriston" are all among the officers who garnish the dish. It would seem that Napoleon's appetite has been diminished or reversed so that now Napoleon, and by extension France, is the object of consumption. Seated at the round table are (l. to r.), Czar Alexander of Russia, Francis I of Austria, Frederick William of Prussia, Bernadotte (Crown Prince of Sweden), and Sir Charles Stewart who represents England. Significantly, Stewart faces away from the viewer; the back of his chair is turned so that it displays the British seal, indicating that Stewart was acting under orders of the Prince Regent. A second group of figures stands behind the Allies. Among them are (l. to r.) The King of Bavaria, the King of Würtemburg, a Dutchman, a Swiss, an Italian, and an old man who represents the King of Saxony. These figures all beg for a taste of the dish and comment on its fine qualities. This crowded satire sketches the relationships amongst European heads of state after Leipzig. The composition of the image is constructed of concentric circles of figures. Set in the middle of an oval serving platter, Napoleon is joined by his officers who sit, bound, at the edge of the platter. Next, the heads of Europe are seated at the round table to contemplate this dish set in the center. The diners discuss the serving platter in the middle of the table, on which Napoleon and several key French officers who had been captured by the Allies are arranged. Other European figures stand behind the seated diners, surrounding them to form the outermost ring of the system. Ironically, Napoleon is the central point around which all are organized. Yet Napoleon, who has been reduced in size and is now the main course for European leaders. Napoleon is on bended knee with arms flung wide open, thereby exposing his star-shaped medal of the Legion of Honor. French officers are placed in a circle around their "sun"; they face inward and have their hands tied behind their backs. Inscriptions on the platter indicate that "Souham," "Regnier," "Marmont," "Macdonald," and "Lauriston" are all among the officers who garnish the dish. It would seem that Napoleon's appetite has been diminished or reversed so that now Napoleon, and by extension France, is the object of consumption. Seated at the round table are (l. to r.), Czar Alexander of Russia, Francis I of Austria, Frederick William of Prussia, Bernadotte (Crown Prince of Sweden), and Sir Charles Stewart who represents England. Significantly, Stewart faces away from the viewer; the back of his chair is turned so that it displays the British seal, indicating that Stewart was acting under orders of the Prince Regent. A second group of figures stands behind the Allies. Among them are (l. to r.) The King of Bavaria, the King of Würtemburg, a Dutchman, a Swiss, an Italian, and an old man who represents the King of Saxony. These figures all beg for a taste of the dish and comment on its fine qualities. Published by S. Knight. 1813-11-10 Caption: Pubd Novr 10th 1813 by S Knight, No 3 Sweetings Alley Royl Exche Dialogue: Würtemburg (2nd from l.): "Pray let Wurtemburg join in that dish." Bavaria (Ist from l.): "And Bavaria, if you please!" Dutchman (3rd from l.): "Donder and Blikins, dat dish will please mine Vrow!" Swiss (3rd from r.): "William Tell never invented a better dish, I hope we shall have a taste of it!" Italian (2nd from r.): "By the god of Love! that is better dish den Maccaroni!" Saxony (1st from r.): "Oh dear! Oh dear! I hope they won't Dish the poor old King of Saxony!!" Dialogue: Russian Czar (1st from l.): "I think Brother of Austria, this dish will be relish'd by all Europe." Francis I of Austria (2nd from l.): "And I think Brother of Russia they will admire the Garnish!" Frederick William of Prussia (center): "It is rather too highly season'd for any taste, but French." Bernadotte (2nd from r.): "We must reduce the quantity of irritating articles, before we can produce it as a finish'd dish. What say you Stewardt of the feast??" Sir Charles Stewart (1st from r.): "I agree with your Highness, John Bull prefers moderation." Annotation: 159 Annotation: THI. 53, K Collector's Mark: A Label(s): Russia, Austria, Holland-, Bernadotte