DE WANHOOPIGE BRITTEN, en de VERNOEDGE AMERICANEN (The Despairing Briton, and the Contented America)

Date1780

MediumBlack and white line engraving

DimensionsOH: 10 1/2" x OW: 17 3/4"; Plate H: 6 1/2" x W: 4 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-92

DescriptionThe upper margin reads: "DE WANHOOPIGE BRITTEN, en de VERNOEDGE AMERICANEN, op de TYDING/ van DIFFENSIVE ALLIANTIE, ONBEPAALT CONVOY, en GEWAPENDE NEUTRALITEIT!"

A small picture is placed between two columns that discuss the complex relationship between England and Holland during this period of the Revolution. In this Dutch satire, the figures are numbered and explained in the text.

(1) George III is seated before an array of playing cards, broken china, and papers as he contemplates empty money bags. He admits that had England dealt more tolerantly with America, the Treasury might be intact. (2) Appearing anxious, North comments on the damage done England by the Continental neutrality pacts as he slowly comprehends his mistake in policy.

(3-6) Dutchmen converse about the present difficult economic situation. (3) A merchant brags about successful smuggling operations while acknowledging the damage caused by British sea operations. (4) A manufacturer displays his superior Dutch cloth and worries that trade has declined because of the conflict. (5) A dejected merchant complains that ships have been captured and goods have been confiscated by the British.

(7 and 8) Two Spaniards discuss the decline of their country.

(9 and 10) A French designer displays a painting of animals that illustrate the fables of La Fontaine and speculates on their double meanings to a long-gowned Dutch philosopher.

To the rear a cannon is fired from a fortress at ships in the harbor. (11) Sitting on a small scale, a male Indian, America, is content to merely observe arguments between France, Spain, Holland, and England, but is filled with praise for the new neutrality treaty. (12 and 13) Two figures Balsepf and Jersey, pack barrels of trade goods ready for delivery to their mother country, England, as soon as peace can be restored.
ProvenanceEx coll: H. Dunscombe Colt. Other known copies: Halsey collection at Brown; New York Historical Society.