Artiste(s):

after STEUBEN, Karl August, baron von (1788-1856)

sc. REVEIL

Titre anglais composé:

Napoleon's clemency.

Titre inscrit:

CLÉMENCE DE L'EMPEREUR. || NAPOLEON'S CLEMENCY.

Inscription:

Steube p.

Signature:

Reveil

Description:

Napoleon has received the Duchess of Hatzfeld who pleads for her husband's life. The only proof of his treason against the emperor is a letter. Napoleon shows her the letter, asking her whether she recognises her husband's handwriting, and telling her she is the one who can mostly convincingly identify it. She pleads with Napoleon. He gives her the letter and gestures towards the fire. She destroys the letter and is thankful. This incident was often represented to illustrate a different side of Napoleon – his generosity, or clemency – showing he was more than a pitiless military. He wears a dressing gown over his military uniform, making him again more human. An officer stands in the background, probably Rapp, who brought the Princess of Hatzfeld to the Emperor.

Travail Original:

Napoleon and the Princess of Hatzfeld.

by

Steuben, Karl August, baron von (1788-1856)

Sujet(s):

Hatzfeld, Prince of (1756-1827)

Hatzfeld, Princess of

Napoleon I, Emperor of the French (1769-1821) -- character -- -- clemency

Napoleon I, Emperor of the French (1769-1821) -- and the Princess of Hatzfeld (28 October 1806)

Technique:

etching

Dimensions:

118 x 89 mm (not including mount paper); 257 x 176 mm (sheet).

Type de papier:

wove paper

Condition:

fine.

Note spécifique à l'exemplaire:

mounted.

Notes de McGill:

Pennington Catalogue p. 1081

Œuvres associées:

STEUBEN, Karl August, baron von (1788-1856); 'Napoleon and the Princess of Hatzfeld.'

Cote:

8° N III 011