The Spanish-bull-fight, or, The Corsican-matador in danger / Js. Gillray des. & fect .
From the library of Gordon N. Ray.
Print shows the Spanish bull tossing Napoleon above its head. He holds his broken sword and has a badly gashed thigh. His cocked hat and a paper, 'Plan pour Assujettir le Monde', fall to the ground. A broken collar inscribed 'Corsican Chain' is round the bull's neck. The bull tramples on and befouls Joseph Bonaparte, who lies on his back, under his hand is a torn paper: 'Coronation de Joseph Boanaparte Rex Espagnol-Gibraltar-&c. Nap'. Three bulls lie on the ground with a butcher's ticket is affixed to each: 'Prussian Bull Beef', 'Dutch Bull Beef', 'Danish Bull Beef'. They are [marginal note] "Wounded Bulls bellowing for help-." The barrier, an arc of which frames the arena, is inscribed 'Theatre Royale de I'Europe'. Behind it, and along the upper margin of the design, sit the sovereigns of Europe, including George III, the Emperor of Austria, John, the Regent of Portugal, the Tsar, his head encircled by the words 'Alexr the Great', the King of Prussia, the King of Sweden, and the Pope, wearing his tiara, and holding up his cross and bearing a paper: 'The Bull for Excommunicating the Corsican Usurper'. He is supported from behind by the Sultan wearing a jewelled turban; behind the latter is the Dey of 'Algiers' [the word etched across his turban].
Ray, Gordon Norton, 1915-1986, former owner.