Charles Lee, Esquier.

Date1778

After work by Charles Corbutt

Attributed to Thomas Hart

Attributed to Thomlinson

OriginFrance, Paris

MediumMezzotint and line engraving on laid paper

DimensionsOH: 9 3/4" x OW: 7"; Plate H: 8 3/4" x W: 6 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1951-80

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "Charles Lee, Esquier./ peint par Thomlinson a Novelle Yorck/ Major Général d'Armee des XIII Provinces unies d'Ame/ rique, Prisonier de Guerre, fait par les Anglois./ Se vend a Londres chez Thom. Hart."Label TextThis print depicts the bust of Charles Lee, Esquier in an oval frame. The body of Charles is turned slightly right while his head faces is turned left. He wears a tricorne with a cockade, a faced coat, and a gorget. In the right background, a flag bears the inscription "AN Une APPEAL Appellation TO au HEAVEN Ciel." It has a moulded pearwood frame with a gilded spandrel.

Charles Lee, 1731-1782, born in England, came to America as a Lieutenant; present at the capture of Montreal; went to New York 1773 and supported the revolutionary plans; appointed Major General 1775, second in command to Washington; taken prisoner by the English 1776, exchanged 1778; retired 1779.ProvenanceBefore 1951, Hyde & Knudsen (New York, NY); 1951-present, purchased by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).