Artist(s):

after Prud'hon, Pierre Paul (1758-1823)

 unknown maker

Composed Title English:

Justice and divine vengeance pursuing crime.

Inscribed Title:

La justice et la vengeance divine poursuivant le crime

Inscription:

Déposé à la Direction / A Paris, chez les Marchands de Nouveautés

Description:

Satire on Napoleon's defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, and subsequent final downfall. Adapted from Prud'hon 1808 painting of the same title. The emperor stands in profile, running away from the death and destruction behind him. Above him, two flying female figures, personifications of Justice (scales and sword) and Vengeance (blind and with the torch). The closed scales of Justice signify that the matter is closed and dealt with. The open mouth and wild hair of Vengeance communicate her fury. This caricature is important also in that it shows the dialogue that sometimes existed between high art and popular culture.

Original Work:

La Justice et la Vengeance Divine poursuivant le Crime.

by

Prud'hon, Pierre Paul (1758-1823)

1808

Subject Heading(s):

Waterloo, Battle of (18 June 1815)

Caricature -- French

Medium:

engraving

Publication Place:

Paris

Dimensions:

264 x 371; plate mark

Condition:

fine

Copy Specific:

In pencil, verso: "Br.D188" ; "11" ; illegible collector's markings.

McGill Notes:

Pennington Catalogue p. 1591

Related Works:

PRUD'HON, Pierre Paul (1758-1823), Justice and Divine Vengeance Pursuing Crime, (Louvre, oil on canvas, 2,43 x 2,92)

LocNo:

4° NC 002