Breadcrumbs Section. Click here to navigate to respective pages.
Image
Image
Apotheosis of the Corsican Phoenix
DOI link for Apotheosis of the Corsican Phoenix
Apotheosis of the Corsican Phoenix
Original Image Dimensions 18"x24"
Source The Duncan Wu Collection
Description In the late summer of 1808, the phoenix (Napoleon Buonaparte) makes his nest in the
Pyrenees, which consists of a globe perched on a platform of firearms. This image
reflects his difficulties at this moment: the Spanish had revolted against France in
May; Portugal resisted the French blockade in July; and the French army was defeated
at the Battle of Bailén in southern Spain. The ribbon round Napoleon’s neck reads
‘Cordon d’Honor’ (Napoleon established the Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur in
1802).