The Gallic magi led by the Imperial comet.

William Elmes

The Gallic magi led by the Imperial comet.

London, Thomas Tegg Sept 24^th. 1811

Etching

Original hand colouring

240 x 350 mm

£580

Napoleon and Marie Louise are awkwardly seated on a throne (right) watching a comet representing the King of Rome, while the child’s gouvernante proudly holds him up to gaze at the phenomenon through a telescope. The comet is a disk containing a naked child wearing a cocked hat, and holding a bowl; a gallic cock stands on his posterior, from which the comet’s tail issues, reaching the real child. Five grotesque and elderly Frenchmen kneel with gestures of adoration (left); one kisses the toe which the Empress holds out. They have plans of the heavens; on the ground beside them is a plan showing the child-comet surrounded by stars and a waning moon. Napoleon wears a plumed bicorne and Hessian boots; he looks through a telescope, seated on the edge of the throne, right leg raised and resting on Marie Louise. The King of Rome, who as usual has his father’s features (see No. 11719), wears a similar hat and a little shirt. His gouvernante, Mme de Montesquiou, is dressed as nourrice rather than court lady. The throne is surrounded by draperies supported on pillars; it is surmounted by the iron crown of Italy and the back and arms are formed of carved eagles.