The BRITISH LION engaging FOUR POWERS.

DateJune 14, 1782

Publisher J. Barrow

MediumBlack and white etching

DimensionsPlate H: 14 1/2" x W: 9 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-103

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "The BRITISH LION engaging FOUR POWERS./ Behold the Dutch and Spanish Currs,/ Perfidious Gallus in his Spurs,/ And Rattlesnake with head upright,/ The British Lion join to fight;/ He scorns the Bark, the Hiss, the Crow,/ That he's a Lion soon they'll know./ Pub.d by J. Barrow June 14.th: 1782. Sold by Richardson Print Seller, N. 68 High Holborn."

At the conclusion of the Revolution, the nations of Europe struggled to extend their influence and authority in the world. It was therefore crucial for each of the participating countries to achieve the most satisfactory agreement possible during peace negotiations. To depict this continued aggressive spirit among nations, satirists resorted to symbolic use of animals.

The scene has been changed from a conference table to an open field. With paw raised and tail held high the British lion tells the four allies, "You shall all have an old English drubbing to make quiet." From the lower right corner a fox (Charles Fox) supports the lion, "I counsel your Majesty to give Monsieur the first gripe." A pug dog, Holland, responds, "I will be Jack of all sides as I have always been"; the snake, America, says, "I will have America and be Independent"; France, a cock, boasts, "I will have my Title from you and be call'd King of France"; and Spain, a dog, replies, "I will have Gibralter, that I may be King of all Spain."
ProvenanceEx coll: H. Dunscombe Colt. Other known copies: none at this writing except the British Museum.