Description:

Revolutionary War
[Nuremberg, Germany], [ca. 1778]
German Satirical View of the American Revolution: "The Tea-Tax Tempest"
Engraving

Large sheet, 18" x 15.25"; engraved by Carl Guttenberg (1743-1790) and published in Nuremberg, Germany in 1778 – a turning point in the American Revolution in which the war transformed from a colonial rebellion into a global conflict. Captioned at bottom: "The Tea-Tax-Tempest, or the Anglo-American Revolution." Father Time is shown leaning on a globe projecting a magic lantern to allegorical representations of Asia, Europe and Africa while a Native American warrior observes from the foreground. The scene, illuminated by the magic lantern, centers on a teapot exploding over a bonfire of stamped paper, while a rooster (symbolic of France) fans the flames. Frightened British troops retreat on the left, as energized colonial soldiers advance through the smoke at right. The sheet has been trimmed, leaving sufficient margins for framing. With light soiling throughout and mounting remnants along the top on the back. Swann sold this exact item in 2020 for $1,750!

1778, the year this engraving was produced, was a turning point in the war, with great demonstrations of endurance, as well as alliances with foreign powers. The Continental Army had survived terrible conditions at Valley Forge the past winter, but emerged better trained and disciplined under the direction of Baron von Steuben. France had formally recognized the United States after the American victory at Saratoga in 1777, and signed treaties of alliance and commerce in February 1778, pledging military support. Though satirical in tone, this engraving denotes recognition of the United States on the world stage.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 18" x 15.25"
  • Medium: Engraving

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