May 27, 2020 Founders & Patriots
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/27/2020
"The Tea-Tax Tempest, or the Anglo-American Revolution" [Paris: C. Guttenberg, 1778.] Copperplate engraving on laid paper, 16 1/8 x 19 1/4 in. platemark, with generous margins beyond, matted and framed. A rich and handsomely-depicted allegory of the American Revolution: Father Time, leaning on the globe and projecting a magic lantern image of an exploding teapot (symbolizing the Intolerant Acts and the resulting Boston Tea Party and ultimately, armed conflict), the flames intensified by a cock (representing France) using a hand bellows. To the left of the teapot, the British flee, while to the right the Americans pursue. The projection is viewed by four figures representing four continents: a Native American, an African, a fainting Europa with shield, and a consoling woman with an incense burner symbolizing Asia. Paris-based engraver Carl Guttenberg adapted a 1774 engraving by John Dixon entitled "The Oracle," making a number of alterations that drastically changed the message. Creswell 738; Dolmetsch 47; and Fowble 99. CONDITION: light, uniform toning, otherwise very good (not examined out of the frame). [with] No. 131 of Mein and Fleeming's short-lived, pro-Crown newspaper, "The Boston Chronicle" II, No. 59 (September 28, 1769), in which excerpts of the Non-Importation Acts are published on the first page, followed inside by lists of American ships, with the names of owners and masters, in violation of said laws, including Boston merchant and Son of Liberty, John Hancock. CONDITION: some chipping and folds along outer margins, not affecting text, and two small, light stains in upper RH area; otherwise good. JLK
Illustrated and discussed on pp. 60-61 and 64-65, respectively, in "For Liberty I Live."