Het Tegenwoordig Weward Europa (Europe in her Present Disordered State) (no title)

Date1780

MediumBlack and white line engraving

DimensionsOH: 10 1/4" x OW: 11 1/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-87

DescriptionAn ancient stone arch from which seeds protrude forms the unusual border of this Dutch print. Attention is focused on the economic hardship suffered by both English and Dutch banking interests as a result of the open declaration of war between the two nations. The financial losses were further intensified by naval harassments and blockades of strategic ports that hampered trade.

Dominating the center of the print is a large chest suspended on a chain from the horn of a unicorn, whose head and torso emerge from a cloud formation. The chest serves as a symbolic scale weighted against an obese Englishman who is about to fall to the ground. His balance is further jeopardized by a Frenchman on the ground who tugs on his leg while an Indian child, America, pushes the man closer to the edge. Behind France an injured Spaniard with a crutch is unable to provide aid. Only a Dutchman, shown on the other side of the chest, prevents total collapse as he holds the leg of the slipping Englishman, meanwhile discussing the situation with another merchant who has an account book. Scattered around the two men are objects representing Dutch trade - cheese, textiles, gold, and so forth - that cannot be exported. To the rear a pastoral scene further suggests the importance of farm products in Holland's economic life.

Two verses, one in English, the other in Dutch, further comment on the problem:
Bold Jack! pray, what's the business to-day?
Phoo--! pox--! a plot, mistaken for a play.
This hurly-burly spoils your sport--! you'll find,
There’s humor to your face--, and more behind.
Amazing Fool--! yet tottering on thy bench,
Tho' scorn'd by Spain, and cozen'd by the French--.
Only the Dutch, not laughing at your nose,
Good-natur'd helps, to snatch what-e'er you lose.

Hoezee! tienduizendmaal! van dikhout zaagt men deelen.
'tGaat wel: by kris en kras! daqt heet een hoofdrol speelen.
Puf Spaanch en Fransch: Messieurs! die poen heeft maakt fuguur.
Maar lieve Jack! zie toe: dat stomlen saat je duur.
o Boston! Delaware! o Washington! o Franschen!
Zo Mogt Mylord welhaast een hangmans hornpyp danssen.
De Batavier houdt noch uw Bankspel in den haak.
Vermeetle! Loon die trouw, of vrees geregte wraak.
[However much ten thousand times! from thick wood one saws pieces.
It does well: criss and cross! that hotheads play a leading part.
Fie Spanish & French: Messieurs this vulgar one hath made a figure
But Dear jack! Have a look: That stumbling state you endure
O Boston! O Delaware! O Washington! O France
So might Mylord soon dance a hangman on the square
Do you dare! Reward this faithfully or fear revenge.]

ProvenanceEx coll: H. Dunscombe Colt. Other known copies: Halsey collection at Brown; New York Public Library collection; New York Historical Society( both first and second state).