Napoleon Bonaparte op St. Helena
1816
Medium
striking (metalworking)
Dimensions
7.7; 1875
About this artwork
Bronzen penning. Voorzijde: borststuk man met lauwer- en sterrenkrans binnen omschrift boven scheepsroer en samengebonden palm- en olijftak. Keerzijde: man aan rotsen geketend, voorstellende Prometheus, wiens lever door arend wordt uitgerukt binnen omschrift
Art Historical Context
Crafted in 1816 by medallist Zirotti,Napoleon Bonaparte op. Helena* is a bronze medal (7. cm in diameter, weighing 18.75 g) that captures the pathos of Napoleon's exile. The obverse features a bust of fallen emperor adorned with a laurel and star wreath, symbols of victory and imperial glory. Above it, a ship's rudder flanked by bound palm and olive branches evokes naval power, triumph, and peace—ironic emblems for a leader now imprisoned on the remote island of St. Helena after his defeat at Waterloo. The reverse draws on classical mythology, depicting Prometheus chained to rocks as an eagle...