The Gallic magi led by the imperial comet [graphic]

"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 British Museum Satires 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."--British Museum online catalogue