Description
- Abstract:
- In this image Napoleon confronts Daniel Lambert, who was renowned for his massive size and who profited from exhibiting himself publicly. A slip of paper, unfurled at Lambert's feet, advertises him as a "Wonder of the World" and indicates that Lambert can be seen at "No. 53 Piccadilly." Napoleon stands with his hand on his hip and contemplates this marvel. In deference and in awe, Napoleon has removed his oversized hat and stands resting on the large sword tied to his waist. Lambert is enthroned on a large armchair, which is the size of a comfortable couch. His face is rendered without comic touches. In fact, despite his grotesque proportions, Lambert does not appear to be the victim of caricature. As the title indicates, the caricature aims to contrast national types: Napoleon represents the meager frame satirists ascribed to the French. Lambert, on the other hand, is displayed as the product of English bounty and the wealth of the nation. Significantly, Lambert announces that his home is in the English countryside--Leicester--where "A quiet mind and a good constitution nourish'd by the free air of Great Britain makes every Englishman thrive." Baffled by the giant before him, Napoleon wonders over the aberration and asks, "are you not a descendant from the great Joss of China?" Thus Napoleon questions Lambert's claim to be an Englishman as well as his claim at a Western heritage.
- Notes:
- Dialogue: Napoleon (l.): "I contemplate this Wonder of the World and regret that all my Conquered Domains cannot match this man. Pray Sir are you not a descendent from the great Joss of China?"
- Dialogue: Lambert (r.): "No Sir, I am a true born Englishman from the County of Leicester, a quiet mind and a good Constitution nourish'd by the free air of Great Britain makes every Englishman thrive."
- Inscription: Exhibition/ Mr. Danl Lambert/ one of the great wonders of the world at the age of 36/ weigh'd 50 stone, 14 pounds to the stone 5ft 11 high and 3 1/2 yds round in perfct/ health and very active/ No 53/ Piccadilly.
- Inscription: Knight invt & d.
- Inscription: Pubd. April 15, 1806 by Walker No. 7 Cornhill, London.
Access Conditions
- Rights
- No Copyright - United States
- Restrictions on Use
- Collection is open for research.
Citation
Knight, S.,
"Bone and flesh, or John Bull in moderate condition"
(1806).
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:232027/
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