1783 - 1815
Blad met vijf rijen voorstellingen met in het midden Bonaparte's reiswagen
Paul Reimund
1764 - 1815Location
RijksmuseumListen to curator's interpretation
Curatorial notes
Paul Reimund created this print titled 'Sheet with five rows of scenes with Bonaparte's carriage in the middle', using etching techniques. The scenes depict the journey and the various ceremonial welcomes bestowed upon Napoleon Bonaparte during his reign. The print gives us a glimpse into how power was performed and perceived during the Napoleonic era. Each scene acts as a carefully staged moment of reception, playing into the narrative of Napoleon's power. Consider the emotional impact on the viewers. The cumulative effect of these meticulously arranged scenes created a sense of awe and reverence, essential to maintaining Napoleon’s image. The print also captures something of the psychology of power, both in terms of how it is projected and how it is received. It presents an early form of propaganda, manipulating emotions and shaping public perception through carefully constructed imagery. This print not only immortalizes a leader but also invites us to reflect on the very nature of power, performance, and the emotional bonds between a leader and his public.