The Rising Sun; Or, A View of the Continent

Art Historical Context

Created in 1810 at the height of the Napoleonic Wars, *The Rising Sun; Or, A View of the Continent* is a hand-colored etching that captures the turbulent politics of Europe through sharp satire. Published by Rudolph Ackermann in London and likely drawn by the celebrated caricaturist Thomas Rowlandson, the print features prominent figures including Napoléon Bonaparte, Tsar Alexander I, Francis II, Frederick William III, and Gustav IV Adolf. Its modest size and vibrant coloring made it ideal for wide circulation among British audiences eager for commentary on continental affairs. The work reflects the era’s intense power struggles, with Napoleon’s dominance casting a long shadow over monarchs and nations alike. As a political satire, it uses exaggerated portrayals to comment on shifting alliances and the emperor’s ambitions, inviting viewers to reflect on leadership and conflict through humor rather than solemnity. Rowlandson’s lively line work and the hand-coloring technique heighten the print’s wit, transforming a simple etching into an engaging visual narrative. Today, this piece from the Metropolitan Museum’s collection offers a vivid glimpse into how art shaped public opinion during one of history’s most dramatic periods.

About the Artist

Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor|Thomas Rowlandson|Tsar Alexander I|Napoléon Bonaparte|Frederick William III, King of Prussia|G. Sauley [Farnham]|Gustav IV Adolf, King of Sweden|Rudolph Ackermann, London (French| |French|Austrian|German) · 1755 |1797 |1758 |1768 |1700 –1829 |1840 |1794 |1835 |1800

French, Fox-Amphoux 1755–1829 Paris| |French, Arras 1758–1794 Paris|Austrian, Florence 1768–1835 Vienna|