Overall: 49cm (19.3in) x 31cm (12.2in)
Hand coloured propaganda engraving depicting Czar Alexander in profile, his hat in the form of a Rusian bear; his face composed of allegorical figures, his tunic as a map marked with the victory of Krasnoi; an epaulette the form of a bear claw; his sash made as the Elster river and featuring the destroyed Lindenau bridge that led to significant French casualties at Battle of Leipzig in 1813. Publised by J. JOHNSTON, 98, Cheapside. Framed and glazed. Complete with accompanying letterpress -
‘THE Most Illustrious and Most Faithful, by the blessing of God Autocrat of that intrepid People, who sacrificed their Homes and their Property to check the Career of a self-confident Invader; Emperor of that country which proved the grave of French Glory and Corsican Ambition; Rescuer of Europe; Avenger of the murdered D'Enghien, Palm, Wright, Hoffer, &c.; Commander-in-Chief of those gallant Cossacks who have immortalized themselves by the Destruction, and enriched themselves with the Spoils, of the common Plunderers of all Countries; Restorer of the uprooted Landmarks of Nations; Rewarder of Merit; Chief of the Illustrious Order of Humanity, Aurora Borealis of the Political Hemisphere, Friend of the Persecuted, Terror of Napoleon, Mediator of universal Har-mony, Harbinger of Continental Prosperity, Mirror of Intrepidity, Grand Treasurer of British Philanthropy, Chief of the Grand League for the Punishment of ambitious Encroach-ment, Dissolver of the Rhenish Confederation, Punisher of Hypocrisy, Impiety, Perjury, Assassination, 8tc. &c. &c.; Guarantee of the future Repose of the World, the everlasting Ally of Great Britain; brave, virtuous, and generous; except in conjunction with whom there ought to be’
‘NO PEACE WITH FRANCE!!’
‘The Hat is formed of a Bear, holding in his mouth a Branch of Palm, in allusion to the approaching Peace through the exertions of Russia; the Face represents the Figure of Fame and Slavery, the former raising the latter; round the neck is a Wreath of Laurel, to commemorate the recent victory gained over the Usurper; the Epaulette is the Claw of a Lion, which alludes to the Assistance given by England; the Star is the Globe, round which are the Figures of Peace, Plenty, Trade, and Commerce; the Order is represented by Four Hands, to show that the Union of the World is near at a crisis.’