Buonaparte First Consul of France
Original title: Buonaparte First Consul of France
kurzbeschreibung
Dating from 1800 to 1804, this etching by Thomas Rowlandson presents Napoleon Bonaparte in elaborate attire as First Consul. The hand-colored print combines aquatint with a caricatured portrayal of the ruler.
Description
A figure appears in blue-and-white garments with gold trim and a red sash; his hair is short and gray, and he holds a white sash in his hand. Curtains and a seat with an eagle wearing a black headpiece with a white feather fill the rear area. Along the bottom edge runs the inscription 'Buonaparte First Consul of France'.
Context
This print was made during Napoleon's consulate (1799–1804), when he held effective power in France as First Consul. It belongs to a series of British satires that mocked Napoleon's ambition and self-presentation. The Coalition Wars, in which Britain fought against France, form the background.
Impact
Exaggerated attributes and the consul's rigid pose create an ironic undertone. Strong colors and the details of the interior decoration reinforce the impression of pomp and self-display.
Technique
A hand-colored etching with aquatint, which allows tonal gradations. Characteristic of British caricature around 1800 are the precise linework and the glazed coloring.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)