A bear (l.), representing Russia, and Napoleon (center), depicted here in military uniform and with the body of a monkey, join forces to attack a large gray Turkey (r.), the caricaturial embodiment of the Ottoman Empire. Napoleon and the Russian bear both carry large sabers and argue over who will have the first strike. Even as the two allies advance, the Turkey is quickly molting its feathers and assures them their victory. To demonstrate his point, the Turkey spreads his wings to allow his feathers to drop. Constantinople is silhouetted in the right distance and appears to lie under the protection of the Turkey's weakening wings.
Notes:
Anne S. K. Brown collector's mark embossed on lower right corner of sheet.
Dialogue: Russia (l.): "Brother, Brother, I will have the first cut."
Dialogue: Napoleon (center): "If you do Brother, you and I cut all friendship forever."
Dialogue: Turkey (r.): "Gentlemen don't be so boisterous. I am moulting my feather very fast I assure - therefore don't be in a hurry!"
Inscription: London Published 10 Octr. [year scratched out] by T. Tegg 111 Cheapside.
"The bear and the monkey preparing to attack the turkey"
(1807).
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:232029/
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