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Direct scan of object
The AMERICAN RATTLE SNAKE.
Direct scan of object

The AMERICAN RATTLE SNAKE.

DateApril 12, 1782
Attributed to
Publisher
OriginEngland, London
MediumBlack and white etching
DimensionsOH: 10 7/8" x OW: 17"; Plate H: 9 7/8" x W: 14"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1960-99
DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "The AMERICAN RATTLE SNAKE./ Britons within the Yankeean Plains,/ Mind how ye March & Trench,/ The Serpent in the Congress reigns,/ As well as in the French./ Pub.d April 12.th 1782, by W. Humphrey, N.o 227 Strand."

A simply designed satire, believed to be the work of Gillray, depicts the American rattlesnake, formerly shown disjointed as a symbol of the rebelling colonies, now whole and coiled into three sections. An exposed tongue is inscribed:

Two British Armies I have thus Burgoyn'd,
And room for more I've got behind.

British soldiers representing the surrendering forces of Burgoyne and Cornwallis are surrounded by two snake circles. The remaining tail section is empty and advertises: "An Apartment to lett for Military Gentlemen."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).