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Louis XVIII Satire
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Louis XVIII Satire
Louis XVIII returns somewhat less than triumphantly to Paris, re-establishing the monarchy and the Bourbon dynasty for a while
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Media ID 4388233
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10201779
1815 Autumn Bourbon Dynasty Establishing Monarchy Returns Satire Triumphantly Xviii
EDITORS COMMENTS
This satirical print from the autumn of 1815 captures the momentous yet ambiguous return of King Louis XVIII to Paris, following his restoration to the throne after the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo. The Bourbon monarchy, which had been exiled since the French Revolution, was once again established, but the king's reception was far from triumphant. The image depicts Louis XVIII, dressed in the robes of a king, riding a donkey, a symbol of folly and weakness, into the city. The crowd, composed of various caricatured figures, jeers and throws rotten vegetables at him. A banner held aloft reads "Long Live the Donkey King!" The king's horse, a symbol of power and authority, is led by a commoner, further emphasizing the king's loss of control. This satirical print reflects the complex political climate of the time, as France struggled to come to terms with the end of the Napoleonic era and the return of the monarchy. The Bourbon dynasty, which had been associated with the ancien régime and the excesses of the old order, was not welcomed with open arms by the population. The king's return was a necessary step in restoring order and stability, but it was far from a popular move. Despite the satire, Louis XVIII was able to rule effectively for a time, implementing reforms and modernizing the government. However, his reign was ultimately short-lived, as the forces of revolution and nationalism continued to simmer beneath the surface. This print serves as a reminder of the complexities of historical events and the role of satire in reflecting and shaping public opinion.
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