Nu moet ik met myn Haan, bedaard naar Elba gaan - Wijnand Esser

A satirical 1814 etching by Wijnand Esser depicting Napoleon Bonaparte riding a cockerel, mocking his forced exile to Elba.

This etching by Wijnand Esser is a satirical commentary on the political climate of early nineteenth-century Europe. Produced in 1814, the work depicts Napoleon Bonaparte mounted upon a large cockerel, a traditional symbol of France. The title, which translates to 'Now I must go calmly to Elba with my rooster', references the Emperor's forced abdication and subsequent exile to the island of Elba following the collapse of his empire.

Esser employs the visual language of caricature to diminish the stature of the former leader. By placing Napoleon on a bird rather than a warhorse, the artist mocks the military authority that once defined his reign. The figure wears a uniform adorned with medals, yet his posture and the absurdity of his mount suggest a loss of dignity. The line work is precise, characteristic of the period's printmaking techniques, and focuses on the exaggerated features of the subject to convey a sense of irony.

As a Dutch printmaker and art dealer based in The Hague, Esser was well-positioned to observe the shifting political tides of the Napoleonic era. This print belongs to a broader tradition of European political satire, where artists used accessible imagery to critique contemporary events. The composition is straightforward, placing the central figure against a plain background to ensure the narrative intent remains clear. The text at the base of the print provides the necessary context for the viewer, framing the image as a commentary on the transition from imperial power to political isolation. This piece offers a glimpse into the public perception of Napoleon during his final days in power, capturing the relief and mockery felt by many across the continent as the Napoleonic Wars drew to a close.