THE EUROPEAN STATE JOCKIES, Running a Heat for the BALLANCE OF POWER, with various designs adapted for the Year 1740.

DateMarch 25, 1740

MediumBlack and white line engraving

DimensionsOverall: 11 3/4" x 16"; Plate H: 11 1/2" x W: 15 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-30

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "THE EUROPEAN STATE JOCKIES/ Running a Heat for the BALLANCE OF POWER,/ with various designs adapted for the Year 1740./ Invented by the President of the Political Society, & Inscrib'd to the Members thereof./ Publish'd according to Act of Parliament 25 March 1740."

The first in a series of political satires commenting on the "race" then taking place among European nations for domination of newly discovered, explored, and potentially wealthy lands across the seas appeared in London shops in 1737. Symbols of "Mediation" and "Convention" rest in one pan, and in the other representations of the ruling forces: bribery, church (cardinal's hat), and political leaders (animals heads). Seated right on the platform are America and Africa united for freedom, while on the left Europe and Asia look to each other for trade protection. Other international struggles are presented in the foreground. In the background, English ships sail off across the ocean towards America. The Spanish fleet is blockaded in the port of Cadiz, cut off from the lucrative trade in the Spanish-American colonies.
ProvenanceEx collection: H. Dunscombe Colt