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Satirical German Military Engraving of Napoleon as the Little Corporal, c1835
£245
$325 · €290
Original print, not a reproduction.
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- Date
- 1835
- Sheet size
- 9.8 × 13.4 in (25 × 34 cm)
- Condition
- Strong impression; light age toning; minor handling marks; margins clean with no major tears or repairs. Suitable for immediate framing.
- Collection
- Uniforms & regiments
- Era
- 1816 to 1899, Empire and industry
- Stock no.
- f_47960762
Satirical German Military Engraving of Napoleon as the Little Corporal, c1835
This 19th-century German engraving presents a humorous encounter between a marching soldier and Napoleon Bonaparte, referred to here by his well-known nickname “the Little Corporal.” The guard refuses to let Napoleon pass, replying firmly: “Man passirt nicht, Und wär’ Ihr der kleine Corporal selbst; ich sage Euch man passirt nicht” (“One does not pass, and even if you were the Little Corporal himself, I tell you one does not pass”). The composition gently satirizes Napoleon’s legendary status, contrasting the anonymous authority of a common soldier with the figure who once ruled Europe.
Produced around 1830–1850, likely in a German or Austrian print workshop, the engraving reflects the wave of post-Napoleonic satire that circulated widely in Central Europe. The artist captures the exchange with strong facial expressions, detailed uniforms and a richly rendered woodland setting. Prints of this type remain popular among collectors of Napoleonic history, military art and European caricature, while the crisp impression and large sheet size make it appealing as decorative wall art as well.
A charming and historically engaging image from the early 19th century, combining humour, military history and well-executed engraving work.
Condition: Strong impression; light age toning; minor handling marks; margins clean with no major tears or repairs. Suitable for immediate framing.
Framing: Looks best floated on off-white or pale cream museum board in a thin black, dark walnut or antiqued gold frame. Museum glass recommended to preserve contrast and period detail.
Keywords: Napoleon engraving, Little Corporal, Napoleonic satire, German military print, 19th century caricature, antique soldier engraving, post-Napoleonic Europe, historical humour print, military history art, German engraving c1835, collectible Napoleonic print.
Technique: Engraving
Maker: German engraver (signed “Zorn sc.”), c.1835–1850
