German-nonchalence - or - the vexation of little Boney

Gillray, James, 1756-1815 · January 1, 1803

After the title: 'Vide. The Diplomatique's late Journey through Paris.' Count Starhemberg (left), Austrian Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to England, drives in a post-chaise drawn by two galloping horses past the gate of the Tuileries (right), where Napoleon stands, with straddling legs and outstretched arms, small, angry, and impotent. Grenadiers are drawn up on both sides of Napoleon, their heads receding in perspective under the arch of the palace. They have huge moustaches, and wear bearskins, high stocks, and Hessian boots. They glare fiercely at the Austrian, with their hands on the hilts of their sabres. Starhemberg looks towards Napoleon with raised eyebrow, taking snuff with nonchalant contempt. A large coronetted 'S' and the Austrian eagle on the post-chaise show his identity. Baggage is piled on the roof of the chaise (BM). / This Austrian minister passed through Paris on a political mission in so much haste, that he did not stop to pay his respects to napoleon, which gave great offence to the ruler of France (Wright/Evans).