Snuffing out Boney! [graphic]

"A Cossack (right), highly delighted, uses a large pair of snuffers to grip the head of a tiny figure of Napoleon (left), emerging like a candle from a flat candlestick which stands (left) on a three-legged stool. Napoleon's feet are within the socket of the candlestick; he wears uniform, with immense plumes in his bicorne. He stands with fingers outspread, turning his head in profile to the right, his mouth wide open as if shrieking. The Cossack is a large figure, boldly drawn, wearing furred cap with aigrette and a sword. He is in a slightly crouching attitude, right leg extended and resting on the heel, left arm raised, as if dancing (cf. British Museum Satires No. 12046). On the wall above Napoleon is a print of a seated Cossack about to place an extinguisher over a tiny and terrified Napoleon."--British Museum online catalogue