THE EUROPEAN DILIGENCE.
DateOctober 5, 1779
Publisher
William Humphrey
OriginEngland, London
MediumBlack and white line engraving with etching and period hand color
DimensionsOH: 7 3/4" x OW: 10 1/4"; Plate H: 7" x W: 9 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1960-72
DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "THE EUROPEAN DILIGENCE./ sold by W. Humphrey N.o 227 Strand"This satire by an unknown maker was issued in late 1779 by William Humphrey, a prolific publisher of anti-government works. A Dutchman is depicted pushing a wheelbarrow occupied by representatives of nations opposing British policies over a prostrate Britannia. A Frenchman stabs at her, encouraged by Indian Princess America, and a Spaniard urges silent Portuguese to join the alliance. Britannia protests the aid given the colonies by these countries. A reference to the Dutch Island of St. Eustatius, a trade center used to supply arms to the colonies, is on the side of the wheelbarrow.
Another European country is being drawn into the conflict. Russia, depicted as a large burly soldier with musket outstretched, is shown defending England, a situation devoutly desired by the government. Shortly after this work was published, however, Russia issued a declaration of neutrality.
ProvenanceEx coll: H. Dunscombe Colt. Other known copies: Halsey Collection at Brown; Peel Collection at the Morgan Library, New York Historical Society (uncolored).
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