Buonaparte leaving Egypt

Gillray, James, 1756-1815 · March 8, 1800

Bonaparte stands on the sea-shore, about to embark (on 23 Aug. 1799) in a boat (left) which will take him to a ship in full sail (the 'Muiron'). He looks with a sly leer to the right, where a little band of ragged and emaciated French soldiers hurry towards him making gestures of dismay. He wears the embroidered fastened coat or tunic with a sash of authentic portraits, without a hat. He points up towards a vision in the sky of a sceptre and imperial crown superimposed on the revolutionary fasces and axe, surrounded by massive clouds. Above the general flies a figure of Fame, smiling sardonically and pointing down derisively. Two soldiers in cocked hats who stand in the boat waiting for Bonaparte to embark greedily hug large money-bags. A plank slants from the boat to the shore. The boat has a figure-head composed of two heads facing opposite ways wearing a single coronet. Behind the French troops is a small encampment with tricolour tents and flags. Behind this stretches a vast Turkish camp with crescent flags. Beneath the title: For an illustration of the above, see the Intercepted Letters from the Republican General Kleber, to the French Directory respecting the Courage, Honor, & Patriotism, of - the Deserter of the Army of Egypt (BM). / A satirical representation of an event which changed the face of events in France and throughout Europe. The designation of "The Deserter of the Army of Egypt," here applied to the hero of Egypt, was echoed by many of his countrymen (Wright/Evans).