In a series of three images Napoleon Bonaparte is first shown on the left as Emperor wearing royal regalia, with other crowns and pharaoh's insignia at his feet, the Tuilleries Palace behind him, signed "What I was," below and "A cruel tyrant" above. In the second image his weeping figure in military uniform is shown on the tiny island of Elba, and is signed "What I am," below and "A snivelling wretch" above. Lastly, on the right, his corpse hangs from a gibbet, his hat fallen to the ground and ass's ears exposed on his head, with caption "What I ought to be" below and "Hung for a fool" above.
Alternative Title:
What I was, what I am, what I ought to be
Description:
Title etched at bottom of plate.
Publisher:
R. Ackermann, 101 Strand
Subject (Name):
Ackermann, Rudolph, 1764-1834, publisher., Auchincloss, Hugh Dudley--Ownership., Harvey, Francis--Ownership., and Napoleon--I,--Emperor of the French,--1769-1821--Caricatures and cartoons.
Subject (Topic):
Crowns. , Gallows., Military uniforms--French--19th century., and Scepters.
