How the French Won Waterloo (or Think They Did) (28 page)

Napoleon the modern military dictator. With one 90-degree twist of the hat in 1801, he created an instantly recognisable image. His trademark black ‘
bicorne
’ hats, worn with the points to the side, were famous throughout Europe – and still are.

However, when Napoleon had himself painted by Ingres in 1806 (left), he made a political mistake. His emperor’s robes alienated him from his core supporters – and especially his fellow soldiers. Thereafter, he always reverted to the black hat and uniform in official portraits.

Napoleon was idolised by his soldiers, and was nicknamed ‘the little corporal’ by veterans – not because of his size but because of his youth and courage. Above: Napoleon’s favourite
gesture to his men – the pinch on the ear.

When Napoleon abdicated for the first time in April 1814, he gave a moving farewell speech that had his battle-hardened men in tears. The sentimental scene is re-enacted every year at the Château de Fontainebleau.

His hat off, his boots dirty, Napoleon contemplates defeat in 1814. This picture was painted by Paul Delaroche in 1840, the year Napoleon’s remains were returned to France. It sealed his popular status as a martyred hero.

A less sympathetic British image. Napoleon, guided by the Devil and Death, has returned to power and is planning ‘more horrors’. The cartoon was published by Thomas Rowlandson on 16 April 1815, almost exactly two months before Waterloo.

The marshals who are lambasted by Bonapartists for disobeying Napoleon’s orders. The impetuous Ney, . . . the inefficient Soult and the absentee Grouchy.

. . . the inefficient Soult . . .

. . . and the absentee Grouchy.

A very French view of Waterloo, Napoleon and his soon-to-be tragic heroes.

The key moment of the battle for Bonapartists: General Cambronne says ‘
merde
’ to the English. Victor Hugo claimed that this act won the day for France.

The ‘sunken lane’ that broke the great French cavalry charge at Waterloo was in fact a legend created by Victor Hugo.

The victors, Blücher and Wellington, meet after Waterloo. According to Bonapartist historians it was an anticlimax as neither spoke the other’s language.