Brown University

An attempt to undermine John Bull, or working through the globe

Description

Abstract:
Engraving. 'Napoleon, not caricatured but wearing a huge cocked hat, stands within a circle representing the globe, plying a pickaxe, with which he enlarges a rocky cavity. One foot rests on 'Ruins' [twice] the other on 'Switzerland'; around him are rocks which he has undermined: (left) 'Batavian Republic', 'Italian Republique', and (right) 'Territories Pick-Axed with Impunity.' On ground at the north pole is territory surrounded by a low cliff inscribed 'Great Britain'; on this lies John Bull, a civilian, but wearing a small cocked hat and holding a sabre. Bonaparte looks up, saying: "O the Pick-Axe is infinitely the best way - I soon shall be at the little fellow - that's his abode - I know it by the white Cliffs." John, with his ear to the ground, says with a smile: "I hear you - burrowing away - my fine fellow, but it won't do, - as soon as you pop your head above the surface, you shall be saluted with a few of John Bull's pop guns."' -- British Museum
Notes:
April 16, 1803 Pub'd by P. Roberts, Middle row, Holborn Etch'd by P. Roberts Broadley says work is by an anonymous artist but inscription on print is as above.

Access Conditions

Rights
No Copyright - United States
Restrictions on Use
Collection is open for research.

Citation

"An attempt to undermine John Bull, or working through the globe" (1803). Napoleonic Satires from the Anne S. K. Brown Military Collection, Prints, Drawings and Watercolors from the Anne S.K. Brown Military Collection. Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library. https://repository.library.brown.edu/studio/item/bdr:232023/

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