The MONSTROUS HYDRA, or VIRTUE INVULNERABLE

Date1789

MediumBlack and white etched and aquatint engraving.

DimensionsO: 13 1/2" X 8 7/8"; Plate: 12 3/8" X 8 1/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-117

DescriptionLower margin reads: "Sold by W. Moore. Oxford Street/ Pub. by W. Dent./ Jan.y 11 1789/ The MONSTROUS HYDRA, or VIRTUE INVULNERABLE"Label TextA monstrous Hydra, with 11 different heads is shown. The heads all have arrow like tongues protruding out of their mouths. These heads are wrapped around a central figure (Pitt?). One head is labeled "Pandaemonium"; one arm "Privete Views"; one "Ich Dien". The central figure holds a scroll marked "Regency Limitations and Restrictions". A seething pot stands on one side marked "Source of all Evil", "American War". Steam spues up marked "N--H's Debts and Defiencies". A sun marked "Public Good" shines in one corner.ProvenanceBefore 1960, the Old Print Shop (New York, NY); 1960-present, purchased by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).