Napoleon en zijn vrienden in hun glorie, 1813 Possibly 1808 - 1813

This satirical etching, "Napoleon en zijn vrienden in hun glorie," by Thomas Rowlandson depicts Napoleon Bonaparte at a table with a devil, Death, and a small depiction of a battle scene in the upper corner. The artwork, dating from 1808 - 1813, criticizes Napoleon and his conquests. It is currently housed at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Rowlandson, a British caricaturist known for his witty social commentary, masterfully used line and shading to convey the absurdity of Napoleon's ambition and the fleeting nature of power. This work captures the British perspective on the Napoleonic Wars, showcasing both fear and amusement toward the French emperor's military triumphs and his eventual downfall.