(German, 1743-1790)

The Tea-Tax-Tempest, or the Anglo-American Revolution, 1778, Paris, early state before the fully engraved English titles and those in Dutch and French (Fowble 99, Cresswell 738), plate 16 x 19 in. sheet 17-1/8 x 20-7/8 in.; 18-5/8 x 22-3/8 in.

Note: This is an allegorical composition projecting a magic lantern image of an exploding teapot, the flames below fanned by a cock, symbolizing the French (removed from later impressions). To the left of the teapot, the British flee, while to the right the Americans chase. The projection is viewed by four figures representing four continents: a Native American, an African, a fainting woman with a shield symbolizing Europe and a consoling woman with an incense burner symbolizing Asia. Paris-based engraver Carl Guttenberg adapted a 1774 engraving by John Dixon entitled "The Oracle," making a number of alterations that drastically changed the message.

Provenance: A du Pont Family Collection

light toning, loose, remnant hinging tape verso, some restoration possibly of points of foxing, pencil inscriptions verso; frame with abrasions