Napoleon Bonaparte, a figure synonymous with military genius and ambition, is often visualized as a short, aggressive man with one hand tucked into his waistcoat. This popular image has even given rise to the “Napoleon Complex,” the idea that men of short stature overcompensate with domineering behavior. But how much of this perception is based on reality? Was Napoleon actually short?
Contrary to popular belief, Napoleon was likely of average height for his time. The misconception largely stems from a misunderstanding of French measurements and the effective propaganda of British caricaturists. Let’s delve into the facts to uncover the truth behind the myth of Napoleon’s height.
Deciphering Napoleon’s Height in French Measures
Historical records from Napoleon’s era indicate his height was around 5’2″ according to French measurements. However, the French “pouce” (inch) of the time was slightly longer than the Imperial inch we use today. The French inch measured approximately 2.7 cm, while the Imperial inch is 2.54 cm.
Reliable sources from Napoleon’s inner circle, including his valet Constant, General Gourgaud, and his personal physician Francesco Antommarchi, all noted his height as just over ‘5 pieds 2 pouces’ (5’2”). When converted using the French measurements of the time, this translates to roughly 1.67 meters, or just under 5 feet 6 inches.
Considering the average height of a French man in the early 1800s, which was slightly shorter than today’s standards, Napoleon’s height of around 5’6″ would have been considered average, or even slightly above average. Therefore, the notion of Napoleon being exceptionally short is not supported by historical evidence.
The Power of Caricature: James Gillray and the “Little Boney” Image
If Napoleon was not short, how did the myth of his diminutive stature become so ingrained in popular culture? The answer lies largely in the work of James Gillray (1756-1815), a brilliant British cartoonist. Gillray’s satirical depictions of Napoleon were incredibly influential and played a significant role in shaping public perception of the French leader, particularly in Britain and beyond. Napoleon himself recognized Gillray’s impact, famously stating that the cartoonist “did more than all the armies of Europe to bring me down.”
Gillray’s early cartoons portrayed Napoleon as boastful and aggressive, but not necessarily short. For instance, in “Buonaparte hearing of Nelson’s Victory swears by his Sword to Extirpate the English from off the Earth” (1798), Napoleon is depicted as muscular and imposing, brandishing a sword and boasting of victories.
However, it was later cartoons, particularly “Maniac-raving’s-or-Little Boney in a strong fit” (1803), that cemented the image of a diminutive Napoleon in the public consciousness. This cartoon satirized a real diplomatic incident where Napoleon publicly berated the British ambassador Lord Whitworth. Gillray depicted Napoleon as tiny, wearing oversized boots, and throwing a tantrum surrounded by furniture that dwarfed him. The moniker “Little Boney” stuck, and Gillray consistently portrayed Napoleon as short, enraged, and childish from that point forward.
One of Gillray’s most famous cartoons, “The Plumb-pudding in danger, or, State epicures taking un petit souper” (1805), further emphasized this image. It depicts Napoleon and British Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger carving up the world. Napoleon is drawn as half the size of Pitt, needing to stand on his toes to reach the globe, wielding a sword-like carving knife.
Political Satire as a Weapon
Gillray’s cartoons were not merely humorous; they were potent political tools. During a period of intense conflict and fear of French expansion, these caricatures tapped into British anxieties. Cartoons like “Tiddy-Doll, the Great French-Gingerbread-Baker; Drawing Out a New Batch of Kings” (1806), portraying Napoleon as a small, doll-like baker creating kings, ridiculed his ambitions and undermined his image of power.
The effectiveness of Gillray’s propaganda is evident in Napoleon’s reaction. He reportedly demanded that the British government censor its press, a request that was, unsurprisingly, ignored. The image of “Little Boney” became so pervasive that other cartoonists adopted it, further solidifying the myth of Napoleon’s short stature. “Bony’s visions or a great little man’s night comforts” (1811) is another example, depicting a diminutive Napoleon plagued by nightmares, with “Gilray’s Caricatures” listed among the horrors.
Conclusion: The Enduring Myth
In conclusion, while the image of Napoleon as a short man is deeply ingrained in popular culture, historical evidence suggests he was of average height for his time. The myth of his short stature was largely propagated by British caricaturists, particularly James Gillray, who used satire as a powerful weapon against Napoleon and his ambitions. Gillray’s cartoons, while humorous, were effective propaganda that shaped public perception and contributed to the enduring myth of “Little Boney,” proving that mockery can indeed be a potent force against even the most powerful figures in history.
