Peace and plenty

Rowlandson, Thomas, 1756-1827 · May 8, 1814

The artist's view of the situation, with the smiling prospect of peace as set forth in 1814, was somewhat premature, as the more desperate events of the year following amply confirmed ; but, with a general concord prevailing amongst the Allies, with the restless disturber of the peace of Europe safely dismissed to the Island of Elba, there to amuse his giant ambition by administering affairs in his miniature kingdom, the old monarchy being comfortably restored to France for an interval, it was generally concluded that the world would once more be suffered to move along pacifically, and that a new era of plenty and commercial prosperity was reopening.