"The sovereigns of Europe, &c, watch from their seats in a bull-ring the Spanish bull tossing Napoleon above its head. The point of his sword projects from the ferocious animal's shoulder; he holds his broken sword, dripping blood, and has a badly gashed thigh. His cocked hat and a paper, 'Plan pour Assujettir le Monde' [cf. BMSat 10599, &c.], fall to the ground. A broken collar inscribed 'Corsican Chain' is round the bull's neck, a few links of a heavy chain still attached to it. The bull tramples on and befouls Joseph Bonaparte, who lies on his back, moribund or dead, in his rightoyal robes, the crown falling from his head; under his hand is a torn paper: 'Coronation de Joseph Boanaparte Rex Espagnol-Gibraltar-&c. Nap'. Three bulls, previously disposed of by the Corsican Matador, and horribly gashed, lie on the ground (r.), bellowing. A butcher's ticket is affixed to each: 'Prussian Bull Beef', 'Dutch Bull Beef', 'Danish Bull Beef'. They are [marginal note] "Wounded Bulls bellowing for help-." The barrier, an arc of which frames the arena, is inscribed 'Theatre Royale de I'Europe'. Behind it, and along the upper margin of the design, sit the sovereigns. On the extreme left. is George III, in military uniform, holding a trident (emblem of sea-power), and peering down impassively through his glass; the back of his (coronation) chair is partly visible. Next him is (?) the Emperor of Austria, gripping the edge of the barrier with a gauntleted hand and with the hilt of his sword projecting from his right. hand. Next John, the Regent of Portugal holds up his hat in exultation; he clutches a bottle of 'Vin de Brazil' [see BMSat 10960, &c.]. Next him, the Tsar, his head encircled by the words 'Alexr the Great', bites the corner of a feathered tricorne in his agitation. The King of Prussia grasps a feathered cocked hat, and puts his hand to his mouth. The bellicose King of Sweden wears a fur-trimmed tunic and a fur cap, with a star, inscribed 'Polar Star' [the Swedish order]. Two pistols are thrust through his belt. Next is the Pope, wearing his tiara, and holding up his cross; before him is a paper: 'The Bull for Excommunicating the Corsican Usurper'. He is supported from behind by the Sultan wearing a jewelled turban; behind the latter is the Dey of 'Algiers' [the word etched across his turban]."--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
Corsican-matador in danger
Description:
Title etched below image., Text above image: "The Spanish Bull is so remarkable for spirit that unless the matador strikes him dead at the first blow, the bull is sure to destroy him." Vide Barretti's Travels., Watermark: J. Whatman., and Mounted on leaf 56 of volume 6 of 12.
Publisher:
Publish'd July 11th, 1808, by H. Humphrey, St. James's Street
Subject (Name):
Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, 1769-1821, Joseph Bonaparte, King of Spain, 1768-1844, George III, King of Great Britain, 1738-1820, Francis I, Emperor of Austria, 1768-1835, John VI, King of Portugal, 1767-1826, Alexander I, Emperor of Russia, 1777-1825, Frederick William III, King of Prussia, 1770-1840, Gustav IV Adolf, King of Sweden, 1778-1837, Pius VII, Pope, 1742-1823, and Mustafa IV, Sultan of the Turks, 1779-1808
