WATERLOO

2016 Oil on Italian Linen 84x70cm

For a short bloke guy of humble origins, Napoleon made something of an impression (if you consider conquering half of Europe impressive). Still it took the combined armies of the United Kingdom, Russia, Austria, and Prussia to rout the French forces at Waterloo. 

And while this was devastating for French ego, under the banner of the Concert of Europe it did usher in an era of uncharacteristic relative peace, material prosperity and technological progress. The Concert of Europe survived until the 20th century where it evolved into the League of Nations, which later evolved again to become the foundation of the United Nations. 

That smack to the face seems a good price really.