Kleine jongen doet alsof hij Napoleon is

About this artwork

height 247 mm x width 338 mm

Art Historical Context

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet a prominent French lithographer and painter (1792–1845), captures a charming moment of childhood imagination in *Kleine jongen doet alsof hij Napoleon is* (Little Boy Pretends to Be Napoleon), created in 1832. 247 mm high by 338 mm wide, this lithograph reflects Charlet's signature style of witty, nostalgic scenes from everyday life, often infused with military humor. A devoted admirer of Napoleon Bonaparte, Charlet frequently depicted the emperor's enduring legacy in his works, blending satire with affection for the Napoleonic era. Set over a decade after Napoleon's death in 1821, the image evokes the cultural phenomenon of "Napoleonic fever" in France during the July Monarchy. Children dressing up as the iconic emperor became a common sight, symbolizing how his larger-than-life persona permeated popular imagination and folklore. Through the innocent play of a "little boy," Charlet highlights this hero worship, making the piece both endearing and poignant. Lithography, Charlet's preferred medium, was revolutionary in the 1830s for its affordability and ability to reproduce detailed drawings en masse. This technique allowed satirical prints like this one to reach wide audiences, preserving slices of 19th-century French society with sharp lines and expressive shading. A delightful gem for visitors, it reminds us how history lives on in play.

About the Artist

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet · 1792–1845

Comment on works: genre