JOHN BULL TRIUMPHANT.

DateJanuary 4, 1780

Attributed to James Gillray

MediumBlack and white line engraving

DimensionsOH: 9 5/8" x OW: 13 7/8"; Plate H: 8 7/8" x W: 13 3/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-74

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "JOHN BULL TRIUMPHANT./ The Bull see enrag'd, has the Spaniard engag'd,/ And gave him a Terrible Toss,/ As he mounts up on high, the Dollars see fly,/ To make the bold Britton rejoice,/ The Yankee & Monsieur, at this look quite queer,/ For they see that his Strength will prevail,/ If they'd give him his way, and not with foul play,/ Still lug the poor Beast by the Tail./ Publish'd Jan.y 4.th 1780, by W. Humphrey N.o 227 Strand."

This print celebrates the October 1779 victory of the English forces over the Spanish at Omoa in the Bay of Honduras. Large quantities of gold and other cargo symbolizes England as a charging bull that throws Spain high in the air, causing coins to fall out of his pocket. The bull prepares next to attack a frightened Frenchman behind whom Indian Princess America attempts to hide. A Scotsman, representing Bute, pulls on the bull's tail. He is aided by Lord North and Lord Mansfield, a rare instance when these three are depicted in any way restraining rather than attacking the Franco-American alliance. Hiding behind a bush, a Dutchman watches to see how the new turn of events will progress.
The verse suggests that the three leaders fear that the English bull could become too strong without their direction, and thus they might lose their powerful government positions. Therefore, it is to their advantage to restrain the beast at this time.
ProvenanceEx coll: H. Dunscombe Colt. Ohter known copies: Halsey collection at Brown; Peel Collection at the Morgan Library; New York Library collection; New York Historical Society (colored).