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Direct scan of object
THE HISTORICAL PAINTER.
Direct scan of object

THE HISTORICAL PAINTER.

DateFebruary 10, 1784
Engraver
Publisher
OriginEngland, London
MediumBlack and white etching with period hand color
DimensionsOH: 10" x OW: 10 3/4"; Plate H: 9 1/4" x W: 9 1/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1960-115
DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "THE HISTORICAL PAINTER./ Pub.d as the Act directs, by J. Cattermoul, N.o 376, Oxford Street, Feb. 10.th 1784."

Attired in a seventeenth-century dress symbolic of Cromwell, Fox, whose plumed hat proclaims him a man of moderation, is painting a picture of the execution of Charles I, using his scepter for a brush and the bottom of a crown for the palette. Justice, eyes fully open to Fox's political policies, stands with sword upraised ready to strike him from behind. In her other hand, she holds a scale. A small fox sitting in one pan is outweighed by "Loyalty" in the other. A partly unsheathed sword inscribed "Commonwealth” and a book "Patriotism by C Cromwell" lie on the floor by Fox. A cat crouches beside them. On the wall hangs a painting of a standing fox presenting an Indian, America, with a document labeled "Independence."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).