Antique Print-SATIRE-WINDMILL-BANK OF EXCHANGE-UNICORN-AMERICA-anonymous-1780

Plate : Satirical print. A curiously carved chest, or seat, representing “The English Bank of Exchange” (Wisselbank) is suspended like a pair of scales by chains from the horn of a unicorn whose head emerges from clouds. It tilts down on the right, where a stout Englishman, “an English lord”, sits precariously, exclaiming in alarm as a Frenchman (right), standing on the ground beneath, pulls him by the leg. A satirical cartoon engraving depicting an embattled England during the American Revolution. A table, which represents the Bank of England, hangs tipped over a Dutch landscape from a chain attached to the horn of a celestial unicorn. Seated at the edge of the table if a fat Englishman, whom a Frenchman is pulling off the table as a kneeling Spaniard looks on. On the other side of the table is a Dutchman holding one of the legs while speaking with an accountant. With a poetic caption (16-line) in English. Very rare.

Made by an anonymous engraver after anonymous.

Medium: engraving / etching on hand laid (verge) paper.

Sheet size: 33 x 30 cm (12.99 x 11.81 inch). Image size: 29 x 25.5 cm. (11.42 x 10.04 inch).

Condition: fair, given age. Original folds. Scattered foxing and a few stains. Some dampstaining. Paper with some creases / wrinkles. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

SATIRE-WINDMILL-BANK OF EXCHANGE-UNICORN-AMERICA | DP-A3-001-04

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

This original antique print was published ca. 1780. Artists and Engravers: This plate engraved by unknown/to be determined.