Napoleon op zijn mobiele uitkijkpost, 1815 1815

Editor: We're looking at an engraving from 1815 titled "Napoleon on his mobile observation post." It's currently housed at the Rijksmuseum. My first impression is that it's a strange caricature of Napoleon, like something out of a political cartoon. What's your interpretation of this unusual work? Curator: Ah, yes! It’s quirky, isn’t it? The artist, an anonymous wit, captured the mood of the moment after Napoleon’s defeat. Think of it as a visual slam poem. Napoleon is teetering on a ladder—a 'mobile observation post,' they ironically call it! His grand ambitions have led him to a precarious perch, wouldn't you agree? Look closely, notice the map being held at the bottom and his fellows struggle. Is this really a picture of an all-conquering general? Or more like an image of someone whose best days have come and gone? What’s interesting is this isn't a portrait glorifying a great man; it’s poking fun at him when he's down. Editor: So it's about deflation? That makes sense given the historical context, right after Waterloo. Curator: Precisely! The engraving is all about poking fun! All those serious portraits of Napoleon we're used to—think of this as the complete opposite, made for a knowing chuckle among those celebrating his downfall. Who is holding up that ladder exactly? And why? Is their body language comical or just hard work? Think about it! Editor: I never thought about art being funny at the time. So it is making fun of an important person when they’re low? Curator: Well said, and precisely! And how very…human, eh? And you and me hundreds of years later chatting all about it and the character are left questioning who did what! What a strange reality, don't you think?