Napoleon (l. ) stands outside the stone boundary wall of hell. Behind the bars of an iron gate are two demons, standing among flames; one holds napoleon off with a pitchfork pushed through the bars, the other holds out a serpent which stings his cocked hat. Flames fill the gateway, and arise from it; they appear above the top of the wall, on which are three winged demons, two hurling large stones, the other pointing at napoleon. By them is etched: 'all the little devils sitting on the wall cry'd "turn him out of hell - turn him out of hell" or else he'll ruin all"'. Napoleon, approaching the gate, says: "i am come to make you all free & happy!" the two demons within say: "get you gone. You have cheated the dutch & italians; therefore master says he's afraid you may take him in too!!" ? july 1803
hand-coloured etching. Date: between 1800 and 1805. Dimensions: Height: 340 mm (cropped); Width: 237 mm (cropped). Medium: paper. Depicted People: Napoléon I, Emperor of the French. Collection: British Museum. The Devil wont take him, what a pity!!! (BM 1868,0808.7232)
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