Napoleon Dance in Holland 1814

"Napoleon Dance in Holland" is a satirical print by Charles Williams from 1814, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The print depicts Napoleon Bonaparte hanging from a rope between two pillars, labeled "Hercules" and "Lars", while a man plays the fiddle and a rooster perches atop the "Ne Plus Ultra" sign. This caricature mocks Napoleon's fall from power, symbolized by his hanging position, while the fiddler and rooster represent the Dutch and British who rejoice at his defeat. The print exemplifies the use of political satire to critique contemporary events and figures, making it a valuable artifact for understanding the social climate of the early 19th century.