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French alias Corsican Villainy or The Contrast to English Humanity, 13 January 1804

 Item — Box: LF104/7 Box 1
Reference code: LF104/7/59
French alias Corsican Villainy or The Contrast to English Humanity, 13 January 1804
French alias Corsican Villainy or The Contrast to English Humanity, 13 January 1804

Scope and Contents

Artist: Charles Williams. Published: S. W. Fores. Two designs placed side by side, the title so arranged that 'The Contrast' applies to both, the first four and last two words to the two designs respectively. [1] A scene outside Jaffa where the French flag flies from a fort on a rock at whose base are hospital tents (left), in which the sick can be seen. In the foreground Napoleon (a poor portrait) points with an imperious gesture to a bottle of 'Opium' in the hand of a distressed doctor in civilian dress. He says: "Don't talk to me of Humanity & the feelings of a generous heart, I say Poison those Sick dogs they are a burthen to me, & can no longer fight my Battles!!! I say destroy them - As for those Turks, them up in the Garrison, turn all the Guns upon them, Men, Women, & Children & blow them to atoms, they are too bold & resolute for me to suffer them to live, they are in my Way." In the middle distance (left) is a body of Turks, their arms tied behind them, guarded by a French soldier who points at Napoleon. Behind Napoleon two French officers exchange glances, acutely dismayed at the orders. Description from the British Museum.

Dates

  • Creation: 13 January 1804

Conditions Governing Access

Physical item available by appointment in our Reading Room

Extent

1.0 Item(s)

Language of Materials

English