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THB1778 Revolutionary War Engraving, A Picturesque View of the State of the Nation / Philadelphia Proof
Lot 78
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Early American History Auctions
1520 Commerce St., #312
Winchester, VA 22601
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By Early American History Auctions
Dec 20, 2025
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2025-12-20 12:00:00
2025-12-20 12:00:00
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199 Lots of Rare, Historic Autographs, Americana, Civil War Era, George Washington, Revolutionary War Era, Colonial America, Federal Period, War of 1812, Historic Maps & more. Early American History Auctions auctions@earlyamerican.com
199 Lots of Rare, Historic Autographs, Americana, Civil War Era, George Washington, Revolutionary War Era, Colonial America, Federal Period, War of 1812, Historic Maps & more. Early American History Auctions auctions@earlyamerican.com
View Full Catalog (199)
- Lot Description
American Revolution
"A Picturesque View of the State
of the Nation/Philadelphia"
Engraved Political Satirical Cartoon
(1778) Historic Revolutionary War Engraved Satirical Cartoon, in French titled, "La Vachi a lait, represente le Commerce de la Grande Bretagne." also known as "A Picturesque View of the State of the Nation". This Revolutionary War engraving shows an American Indian cutting the horns off a cow representing Britain, while a Dutchman milks the cow and a Frenchman and Spaniard await their turns, while the Howe brothers (Admiral Richard Howe and General William Howe) are depicted asleep in Philadelphia, appears to be a deeply embossed Copperplate Proof printing, Display Matted, Choice Very Fine or better.
(1778) Engraved Copper-Plate Printed full size measures 9" tall x 11" wide, the embossed plate impression on a much larger sheet. Cloth mat surround measures 20.5" tall x 22" wide. Below the engraving is a cutout with a short description titled, "Satirical Print Showing Philadelphia (1778) with explanation below. It is titled in French, "La vache lait, reprsente le commerce de la Grande Bretagne" (The milk cow, representing the commerce of Great Britain) is a Political Cartoon depicting the state of Great Britain's commerce during the American Revolutionary War. There are multiple symbolic numbered 1 to 9 with representations including: The Cow (La Vache lait): Represents Great Britain's commerce and economic resources.
The French phrase "vache lait" translates literally to "milk cow" but figuratively means "cash cow," a source of great profit. Characters Milking the Cow: Represent other nations benefiting from Great Britain's difficulties during the American Revolution. In other variations of this engraving with a similar title, characters representing the Dutch, French and Spanish are shown milking the cow, and the Americans are cutting off its horns. The Sleeping British Lion: Symbolizes British political or military leadership that was perceived as ineffective or unaware of the situation.
In 1778, France officially allied with the United States against Great Britain, providing military and financial support. The war placed a considerable strain on the British economy and commerce which pleased the King of France. This engraving serves as a visual commentary on the perceived decline of British power and the emergence of other nations benefiting from Great Britain's struggles during the American Revolution. The image of the "cash cow" effectively highlights the concern that Britain's resources were being depleted by others. It suggests that Great Britain is exploited or profits from others. It likely originated during a period of controversial British trade relations. We have never encountered this historic print on such a large sheet and the plate's outline so defined with embossing. There are a few trivial tone spots beyond the engraved plate and there is a faint vertical centerfold seen only on close inspection. Overall, an important political and economic commentary in 1778, highlighted by the dog shown urinating on the British Lion.
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Engraving published in "The Westminster Magazine" for March 1778, is titled "A Picturesque View of the State of the Nation". This satirical cartoon shows an American Indian cutting the horns off a cow representing Britain, while a Dutchman milks the cow and a Frenchman and Spaniard await their turns. The Howe brothers (Admiral Richard Howe and General William Howe) are depicted asleep in Philadelphia
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