Napoleon on the column

The top of the Austerlitz column is dominated by the bronze statue of Napoleon Bonaparte. This print, which is supposed to offer an image of the commemorative column of the Battle of Austerlitz really only represents the Emperor at the top on his pedestal. Bonaparte appears in his best light, dressed in his uniform, sword at his waist and trampling on cannonballs.
This representation of the myth of the hero-martyr Napoleon, however, is intended to be close to the people since it is accompanied by popular songs. It is this kind of print that will forge the Napoleonic legend and lead to true veneration on the part of the French people.