SYLVESTER'S HOUSEHOLD BRIGADE
OR
THE GOOSE WITH THE EMPEROR'S HEAD
THIS IS NAPOLEON III ?
THIS IS NAPOLEON III !
SYLVESTER'S HOUSEHOLD BRIGADE,
a hand tinted real photo stereoview, circa 1850's-60's.
In 1852, Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, a nephew of Napoleon I, after many false starts, declared himself emperor of France. In the 1850's, Alfred Sylvester was an English photographer known for his creatively staged stereophotographs. Does the "Sylvester" in "Sylvester's Household Brigade" refer to Alfred Sylvester? And what political circumstances in England inspired him to graft the Emperor's head onto a goose? And why is this Imperial Goose being chased by housemaids with mops and buckets, a footman in livery, and a hobby horse? Tinker's inquiring mind wants to know! I would like very much to hear from the informed, the opinionated and the similarly puzzled. Your information will be published here to enlighten the masses. Thank you!
