Apotheosis of the Corsican-phoenix

Apotheosis of the Corsican-phoenix

Item Information

Title:
Apotheosis of the Corsican-phoenix
Title (alt.):
Apotheosis of the Corsican phoenix
Description:
Napoleon's flaming nest is the terrestrial globe, resting on sheaves of bayoneted muskets laid on a flat-topped pinnacle. Clouds and crags frame the design. The phoenix, with flaming wings, has the head of Napoleon, turned in profile to the left. He is terror-stricken; his blazing crown flies upwards from his head; his predatory claws are raised in horror. From one his sceptre falls, from the other the orb. He wears a high military collar and round his neck is a tricolour 'Cordon d'Honor' fringed with daggers. On the globe is a map of countries surrounding the Mediterranean, the central spot being Corsica. On the globe, countries are burning. Above the flames by which Napoleon is surrounded are heavy clouds. From above these emerges a dove holding an olive branch, its wings inscribed. It is irradiated, rays descending from behind the clouds (BM).
Artist:
Gillray, James, 1756-1815
Name on Item:
Js. Gillray Inv. & fec.
Date:
August 2, 1808
Format:
Prints
Genre:
Etchings
Caricatures
Satires (Visual works)
Location:
Boston Public Library
Arts Department
Collection (local):
James Gillray (1756-1815). Prints and Drawings
Subjects:
Emperors
Phoenix (Mythical bird)
Fires
Globes
Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, 1769-1821
Extent:
1 print : etching ; plate mark 36 x 27 cm
Permalink:
https://ark.digitalcommonwealth.org/ark:/50959/2z111k47t
Terms of Use:
No known copyright restrictions.
No known restrictions on use.
Publisher:
27 St. James Street : Publishd by H. Humphrey
Language:
English
Notes:
Title from item.
Alternative title from Wright/Evans.
BM Satires 11007; Wright/Evans 353
Verso has part of a failed Gillray print: "Overthrow of the Republican-Babel," May 1, 1809.
Notes (date):
Date from item.
Notes (citation):
Stephens, Frederic George, George, Mary Dorothy. "Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires in the Department of Prints and Drawings in the British Museum." British Museum Press, 1870, London.
Wright, Thomas, R. H. Evans. "Historical and descriptive account of the caricatures of James Gillray." Benjamin Blom, 1968, New York.
Identifier:
18_17_000035
Barcode:
36666003787302