"The Fifth of May" from The Complete Works of Béranger 1836

J. J. Grandville created this print titled "The Fifth of May," part of an illustrated edition of Béranger's complete works, in 19th century France. The image commemorates the death of Napoleon Bonaparte, who died in exile on the island of Saint Helena on May 5, 1821. Grandville's print encapsulates the complex and shifting public memory of Napoleon in post-revolutionary France. Napoleon, once the champion of revolutionary ideals, became an emperor, and ultimately met defeat. Here, we see a group of figures on a ship, gazing towards the distant island. Is it a lament for lost glory? Or a critique of imperial ambition? To understand this image, we must consider the political climate of France at the time. The July Revolution of 1830 had just taken place. It replaced the monarchy with a constitutional monarchy. By looking at sources from the period, like newspapers, pamphlets, and other visual representations of Napoleon, we can better understand the role this image played in shaping popular opinion. Art history reminds us that meaning is never fixed, but always tied to the society that receives it.