Satirical German Military Engraving of Napoleon as the Little Corporal, c1835

€ 290

Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)

Mapmaker / artist: German engraver (signed “Zorn sc.”), c.1835–1850
Technique: Engraving
Sheet size: 25 × 34 cm (9.8 × 13.4 in)
Reference: BG-14177-2

What the condition grades mean

Excellent: Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good: Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good: Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair: Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.

Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.

Condition

Strong impression; light age toning; minor handling marks; margins clean with no major tears or repairs. Suitable for immediate framing.

About this sheet

Satirical German Military Engraving of Napoleon as the Little Corporal, c1835

This 19th-century German engraving presents a humorous encounter between a marching soldier and Napoleon Bonaparte, referred to here by his well-known nickname “the Little Corporal.” The guard refuses to let Napoleon pass, replying firmly: “Man passirt nicht — Und wär’ Ihr der kleine Corporal selbst; ich sage Euch man passirt nicht” (“One does not pass — and even if you were the Little Corporal himself, I tell you one does not pass”). The composition gently satirizes Napoleon’s legendary status, contrasting the anonymous authority of a common soldier with the figure who once ruled Europe.

Produced around 1830–1850, likely in a German or Austrian print workshop, the engraving reflects the wave of post-Napoleonic satire that circulated widely in Central Europe. The artist captures the exchange with strong facial expressions, detailed uniforms and a richly rendered woodland setting. Prints of this type remain popular among collectors of Napoleonic history, military art and European caricature, while the crisp impression and large sheet size make it appealing as decorative wall art as well.

A charming and historically engaging image from the early 19th century, combining humor, military history and well-executed engraving work.

Condition: Strong impression; light age toning; minor handling marks; margins clean with no major tears or repairs. Suitable for immediate framing.

Framing: Looks best floated on off-white or pale cream museum board in a thin black, dark walnut or antiqued gold frame. Museum glass recommended to preserve contrast and period detail.