Satire de Napoléon

     Published during the height of warfare between Spain and France in 1812, the Bayonne Constitution was used to harass Napoleon when he attempted to usurp the Spanish throne to appoint his brother, Joseph. Once conflict between the nations began, Britain was the first to ally itself with Spain against the French. This image portrays a Spanish patriot defecating on the Bayonne Constitution, while a British soldier watches from a distance. The painting taunts Napoleon, as the Bayonne Constitution was the document which would solidify the rule of Joseph in Spain. It is important to notice the dialogue between the characters portrayed in the image. First, England is saying "I had this planned already." Due to their history of war in the early nineteenth century, it would seem as if Britain knew that the demise of Napoleon was to come at their hands. Next, one must notice Spain as it relieves itself proclaiming, "Here you have something to show my appreciation, sorry it is this short." While Napoleon replies, "Ah, ungrateful Spain!" Through analysis of this piece, Napoleon is ridiculed by those who rejected his claim to Spanish sovereignty, while Britain stands by to assist in any necessary attack on France. As if the insult couldn't get worse, the caption at the bottom of the image reads, "Napoleon working for the regeneration of Spain which, represented as a patriot, is gratefully returning the favour." Spain seems to frustrate Bonaparte, who appears to only want to conquer Spain as part of his empire, as they reject his new Spanish Constitution.

     Another image published in 1812, Ivan Terebenev's Russians teaching Napoleon to dance was another piece of art mean to insult Napoleon in his attempt to conquer Russia. The picture shows Napoleon centered between two Russians, one playing an instrument while the other threatens Napoleon to dance, whip in hand. As this image was set to make fun of Napoleon's failed conquest, the caption reads, "You tried to make us march; we now will make you dance." The attitude of Russians was hostile, as Napoleon tried to wage war to bring Russia into his empire, and are seen in the image making him pay for his efforts by making him dance and look like a fool.