Mark Schuler: Napoleon Bonaparte

Artist: Mark Schuler
1951 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1980
Image Size: 9 by 11 inches
Overall Size: 15 by 17 inches
Medium: Mixed Media on Hot Press Illustration Board

"When I see an empty throne, I feel the urge to sit on it." This was the sentiment of Napoleon Bonaparte, popularly recalled from portraits as the small man with his right hand tucked inside his vest. Encouraged by his mother, he worked early in life toward realizing his ambitions. Forever remembered as a military genius, his courage and short stature led to his early nickname of le Petit Caporal, "the little corporal." He believed that "the object of war is victory," and pioneered new military tactics and strategies and always looked for his opponent's weakest point. But Napoleon was also a talented administrator and gifted statesman who left behind him a long list of accomplishments. While personally directing complicated military maneuvers, he simultaneously controlled France's press, the police system, foreign policy and home government. In addition he supervised the preparation of a systems of laws called Code Napoléon, which today remains as the basis for present French laws. He also founded the Bank of France, reorganized the French educational system and established strong centralized governments. At the same time he created and juggled kingdoms at will and placed relatives and friends on thrones throughout Europe. He possessed great charm and persuasion and his soldiers adored him. After a long and brilliant career, the beginning of the end of Napoleon's ambitions began with his disastrous campaign in Russia in 1812. He died an exile on the island of Saint Helena in 1821.

This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the French Andorra Europa stamp featured in the 1980 Portraits of Greatness collection.

Artwork Copyright © 1980 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB06469

US$ Price: $950.00

Easy Purchase Plan: Buy this ArtworkOriginal with 8 monthly payments. Payments will be charged automatically as due to your Credit Card.