Lot 15834: Bowyer - Map of Elba / Portrait of Napoleon / View of Porto Ferrajo

This plate shows a map of Elba Island, the island to which Napoleon was exiled and from which he escaped, a portrait of Napoleon, and a view of Porto Ferrajo on the island.


This folio aquatint is from Robert Bowyer's The Campaign of Waterloo. The work was published in London by R. Bowyer in 1816. This engraving is a stirring view of the allied Sovereigns entering Leipzig after Napoleon's defeat.

Robert Bowyer was one of London's most fashionable miniature painters. The pupil of Smart, Bowyer exhibited occasionally at the Royal Academy between 1783 and 1823. He was appointed painter in watercolour to the King and miniature painter to the Queen, the result of which he enjoyed a wealth of lucrative patronage. In addition to his work as a portrait painter he published a number of important texts, which are beautifully illustrated throughout with fine aquatints. His most admired work is "An Illustrated Record of Important Events in the Annals of Europe during the Years 1812, 1813, 1814, & 1815" which features exquisite aquatint views of the major cities on the Continent. First published in 1815, the work provides breath-taking contemporary views of the major cities involved in the Napoleonic wars, including superb prints of Moscow, Berlin and Amsterdam.

~ 12 1/4" by 18"

Aquatint Engraving

1816

Overall Excellent. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.

The Campaign of Waterloo