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The Hand-Writing upon the Wall, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1803
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The Hand-Writing upon the Wall, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1803
NCO190183 The Hand-Writing upon the Wall, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1803 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); 25x35.5 cm; Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College, Oxford; (add.info.: Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) warned by God that his kingdom will fall; crown weighs more than the bonnet rouge; ); English, out of copyright
Media ID 22602006
© Bridgeman Images
1763 1814 Alarmed Balance Bank Of England Banquet Bottles Breast Consort Corpulent Dinner Dissolute Divine Retribution Dripping Blood Eagle Empress Josephine Enthroned Extravagance Feast Foreboding Frightened Guard Hussar Judgement Obese Plate Platter Political Satire Propaganda Propagandistic Prophesy Rotund Scales Guzzling
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The Hand-Writing upon the Wall
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating and thought-provoking print published by Hannah Humphrey in 1803. Created by James Gillray, this hand-coloured etching depicts an intriguing scene of divine retribution and political satire. At the center of the image stands Napoleon Bonaparte, the powerful French emperor. However, his excessive weight and indulgent lifestyle are symbolized by an impossibly large crown that weighs him down. As he sits at a lavish banquet table surrounded by opulence and excess, God's warning appears on the wall behind him. The message from above serves as a prophetic judgment on Napoleon's rule, foretelling his downfall. The juxtaposition of extravagant feasting with dripping blood on a platter suggests both gluttony and violence associated with his reign. Intricate details fill every corner of this satirical masterpiece - from frightened figures to alarmed guards to references of planned invasions. Even Napoleon's wife Josephine can be seen among the chaos. Gillray's use of symbolism and caricature highlights not only Napoleon's corpulent figure but also critiques his imperial court for their extravagance and disregard for divine consequences. "The Hand-Writing upon the Wall" is more than just a political cartoon; it is a powerful commentary on power, greed, and inevitable downfall. This print serves as a reminder that even those who seem invincible are subject to divine retribution when they lose sight of justice and humility.
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