Description:
The proof state of the satirical cartoon entitled “A Picturesque View of the State of the Nation for February 1778,” also known as the Cow Caricature, which first appeared in the Westminster Magazine of March of 1778, was designed to express the concerns of the British people regarding the precarious military and economic state of the English nation then in the midst of war with her American colonies. The slightly emaciated cow, symbolizing British commerce, is depicted being harassed, depleted, and taken advantage of. A gentleman in a feathered headdress, symbolizing America, saws off a piece of the cow’s horn. Several gentlemen standing near the rear of the cow (symbolizing the French, Spanish, and Dutch) carry away bowls of milk. The gentleman with clasped hands to the right of the cow represents the British trader who laments the many ways in which his commerce is being negatively affected. Adding insult to injury, a sleeping lion, representing the British nation, is pictured with a small dog relieving itself on the lion’s back. In the background is an image of the Howe brothers, who appear to be inebriated and socializing at a table, along with images of Admiral Howe’s ship the Eagle, and Philadelphia harbor—a likely criticism of Howe’s decision to camp in Philadelphia rather than purse the enemy. Clearly, Britons were not happy with the efforts of the British army in America and were concerned that war with America was harming their economy in significant ways. Print has full plate mark, but no title - this is a proof state, Cartoon shows America (represented by a man with feathered cap) cutting the horns off a cow (representing British commerce) which is being milked by a Dutchman, two men (representing France and Spain) are standing toward the rear of the cow holding bowls of milk. In the foreground, on the right, lies the British lion asleep, a small dog is standing on the lion's back urinating. A distraught Englishman is standing to the left of the lion. In the background, across an expanse of water, is a city labeled "Philadelphia", to the left of the city is a ship, the "Eagle", laid-up in dry dock, Admiral Howe is sitting at a table, out of sight of his flag ship, with his brother General Howe, a keg is on the ground to the left and wine bottles on the ground to the right of the table.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2018.27 |
