The ex-emperor in a bottle

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John Jenkins
The ex-emperor in a bottle
hand colored etching
sheet: 272 x 325 mm
Purchased by J. Pierpont Morgan, 1900.
Peel 1981
Published: 
London : Pubd by J. Jenkins, 48 Strand. August 25th 1815, 1815 August 25.
Provenance: 
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Notes: 

Lettered "London. Pubd by J. Jenkins, 48 Strand. August 25th 1815."
Apparently an advertisement for the well-known book containing 52 coloured aquatints after W. Heath: Martial Achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815. London : Printed for J. Jenkins by L. Harrison & J.C. Leigh, 1814-1815.

Summary: 

Napoleon stands in a bottle looking to the right, his right hand thrust under his waistcoat, as in Isabey's Malmaison portrait. He wears orders and ribbon, but no hat or sword. On the right stand closely grouped the allied sovereigns, on the left the generals. The Regent is the most conspicuous figure, holding up a tablet inscribed 'Martial Achievements', on which is a cannon. He wears ornate hussar uniform. The others are (left to right) Francis I, standing behind the others, Alexander, and Frederick William, his head in profile to the left. All are in uniform. In the front of them Louis XVIII kneels in profile to the left, with clasped hands, gazing up at the Regent's tablet. The most prominent general is Wellington, holding his sword and cocked hat; he wears two ribbons and is covered with orders, among which the collar and George of the Garter and the Golden Fleece are conspicuous. Behind him (left to right) are Platoff and Blücher, both much decorated, and Schwarzenberg who is partly behind the bottle. Not a caricature; the heads are stippled portraits. Below the title: 'Ambitions dread career at length is o'er, ... And the brave Platoff, ask their share of praise.' *THE MARTIAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF GREAT BRITAIN & HER ALLIES, a splendid graphical Work ...' [to be published in thirteen numbers, . . . each number £1. 1. 0 to Subscribers, £1. 11. 6 to non-subscribers].

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