The Tomb of Napoleon 1821 - 1900

This anonymous print shows Napoleon's tomb, and was likely made shortly after his death in 1821. It encapsulates the complex social and political attitudes towards Napoleon in Europe after his fall from power. The image’s visual codes are telling. Napoleon's tomb is placed within a melancholic landscape, emphasizing themes of loss and reflection. The weeping willow is a conventional symbol of mourning, and the title suggests Napoleon's spirit lingers at the site. While some might have seen Napoleon as a tyrant, this image evokes a sense of pathos, subtly questioning the narratives of the restored monarchies. To understand this image fully, we need to delve into the print culture of the early 19th century and explore how Napoleon was portrayed in popular media. Scholarly resources like period newspapers and journals can reveal the diverse and often contradictory views of Napoleon circulating at the time. Only then can we appreciate how this seemingly simple print engages with the social and political debates of its era.