Elevations and Bas-reliefs of The Cradle of His Majesty the King of Rome 1805 - 1815

Adrien Louis Marie Cavelier made this drawing on paper, "Elevations and Bas-reliefs of The Cradle of His Majesty the King of Rome," sometime in the early 19th century. It gives us a glimpse into the opulent world of Napoleon's France, where even a baby's cradle became a symbol of imperial power. But what does it mean to design a cradle fit for a king? The imagery is telling. Eagles, classical figures, and ornate decorations all speak to a desire to legitimize Napoleon's reign by linking it to the glory of the Roman Empire. It also reflects a very gendered view of power. The King of Rome, Napoleon's son, was meant to embody the future of the dynasty, carrying the weight of expectation from the moment of his birth. The drawing, with its precise lines and attention to detail, invites us to consider the artistry involved in crafting such a symbolic object. It’s a window into a world where even the most intimate aspects of life were infused with political meaning.