Handkerchief

Date1815-1820

MediumCotton, plate printed

DimensionsL.(warp) 20 3/4"; W. (weft, one selvedge) 25 3/4"

Credit LineAnonymous gift

Object number1971-1444

DescriptionRectangular handkerchief copperplate printed in red with scenes of the battle of Waterloo and the War of 1812. In the center is an engraving of the Battle of Waterloo with the Duke of Wellington leading his troops on horseback. His sword is raised and he commands soldiers, "No my boys shew your British Mettle." The scene includes a few men on horseback, with the rest on foot in lines. Some wear uniforms with trousers and others kilts. Beneath the central battle scene are oval portraits of Wellington and Blucher. In the corners are four semicircular engravings showing the following scenes: Napoleon and his followers landing in France from Elba; Napoleon's last entry into Paris; Napoleon receiving his destination for St. Helena; and a view of the Island of St. Helena from the harbor. Along the borders between the corner scenes are scenes depicting the "DEFEAT OF THE AMERICANS BEFORE WASHINGTON," "THE AMERICAN ARMY DEFEATED BEFORE CORNWALL," the Duke of Wellington and the captured French Eagles entering Brussels, and Louis XVIII thanking Wellington for his service. The handkerchief is faded and stained.
Label TextThe scene showing the "Defeat of the Americans before Washington" refers to the burning of Washington, D. C. during the War of 1812. The scene described as "The American Army Defeated Before Cornwall" refers to the battle near Cornwall in Upper Canada during the War of 1812.
ProvenanceEx-Coll. Mrs. DeWitt Clinton Cohen