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Direct scan of object
DE MAN IN'T HEMBD, OF DE GEFNUIKTE HOOGMOED. (The Man in the Shirt, or Pride Brought Low.)
Direct scan of object

DE MAN IN'T HEMBD, OF DE GEFNUIKTE HOOGMOED. (The Man in the Shirt, or Pride Brought Low.)

Date1780
OriginEurope, Netherlands
MediumBlack and white line engraving with etching
DimensionsOH: 9 3/4" x OW: 10 1/2"; Plate H: 6 3/4" x W: 8 2/3"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1960-84
DescriptionCommenting on affairs during the Revolutionary period, the pictorial discussion of the newly ratified treaty of neutrality is depicted in this Dutch satire. All of the countries are represented by male figures. (1) Distraught England, wearing only a ragged shirt, is held by Denmark (4) and Sweden (5). (7)France puts a fool's cap on England's head while Russia (3), distinguished by a fur hat and long gown, threatens him with a large club. America (2), pleased with the response of other nations, flees with England's clothes, as (6) Holland kneels to the ground to shackle his ankles.
The seashore setting allows the designer to comment on the continuing trade problems. (8) England's loss of trade is indicated by a number of ships aground while (9) shows a fleet in full sail, the commerce that the armed neutrality treaty should allow the allies. (10) An unhappy merchant, probably England, stands on the shore in a gesture of despair. (11) Treaties no longer observed lie torn on the ground.ProvenanceBefore 1960, H. Dunscombe Colt [1901-1973] (New York, NY); before 1960, purchased by the Old Print Shop (New York, NY); 1960-present, purchased by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).