Corsican Cuckoo A bird of passage recently discovered in France and supposed to be the most crafty of his species The Cruikshank, Isaac 1764-18111 caricaturist Williamson, T. publisher London xxk T. Williamson 1804 1 print; 25 x 35 cm In this graphically scatological satire, Napoleon defiles the French throne, marked "L R," by defecating on the cushions. Leaving no detail out, the satirist depicts Napoleon perched on the arms of the throne with his bottom bared. This "egg" he lays causes a Frenchman, possibly a Bourbon, to retreat while pinching his nose closed. In naming Napoleon a cuckoo, Cruikshank makes explicit reference to a bird that invades another's nest and lays eggs that upon hatching will devour the other eggs in that nest. Like the bird, the filth Napoleon spreads on the French throne contaminates the monarchy as an institution in France. Published by Williamson, 1804-07-26. British Museum, BM 10261. Pubd. ty T. Williamson 20, Strand London July 26 1804 Monsieur: "Curse him what a stink he has made, he has foul'd my nest so that I must run away." Napoleon: "I think that by laying an Egg, I shall get full possession of this Royal Nest." Napoleon I, Emperor of the French 1769-1821 Caricatures and cartoons Napoleonic Satires 2 http://dl.lib.brown.edu/napoleon Bullard E-222 John Hay Library 1130945954583384 still image No Copyright - United StatesCollection is open for research.