The Emperor
4'20, 2001
In 1969, Napoleon Bonaparte’s pickled penis was sold at a Christie’s auction. This watercolour animation is the tale of a quest to free Napoleon Bonaparte from exile on the island of St Helena, including fresh insight into the mystery of the pickled private parts.
Technique
The Emperor was painted on Somerset Satin printmaking paper at A3 size. The image was drawn using pencil and watercolour. Each frame was captured with a video recorder, the image was then erased and redrawn in it’s next position.
Credits
Script, Narration, Direction and Animation: Elizabeth Hobbs
Edit: Mark Jenkins
Voice: Jonathan Booth
Music: John Harris
Sound Design: Jane Hicks
Production: Red Kite Animation
Commissioned by Animate!
Awards
Awarded 2nd prize – Fine Arts Festival Szolnok, Hungary
Shortlist, best Short Animation, BAFTA, 2002
4th – Mclaren Awards – Edinburgh International Film Festival, 2002