Spotprent op Napoleon III, 1870 1870

This anonymous 1870 caricature, "Spotprent op Napoleon III," depicts Napoleon III, the last emperor of France, chained and shackled with a cannonball at his feet. This satirical work mocks the Emperor’s downfall in the Franco-Prussian War. The inscription, "Oh! Coulon, c’est par toi que commencent les Andes et que finissent les révolutions (Victor Hugo)" refers to the French general who led the military campaign in Mexico, highlighting the political turmoil of the time. This graphic depiction of Napoleon III as a prisoner exemplifies the public's sentiment towards the French emperor and the political climate of the 19th century.