Ruiterstandbeeld voor Napoleon, 1804 1804

This satirical etching by Thomas Rowlandson, titled "A Great Man on His Hobby Horse," mocks Napoleon Bonaparte, depicting him riding a rearing horse atop a globe. Created in 1804, this piece captures the anxieties of the time, as Napoleon's power and ambition were seen as a threat to Europe. Rowlandson uses caricature to exaggerate Napoleon's features and posture, conveying a sense of arrogance and vanity. The "hobby horse" refers to Napoleon's insatiable desire for conquest, highlighting his ambition and the political anxieties surrounding him. This satirical print remains a poignant example of the power of art to comment on contemporary events, offering valuable insights into the political climate of the early 19th century.