(American, 1741-1827)

Carington Bowles, publisher and printer, 1785, plate 13-7/8 x 10 in., sheet 16-1/8 x 11-3/4 in.; black painted print frame, 16-3/4 x 12-3/4 x 7/8 in.

Provenance: Private New England Collection

Note: Here General Washington is depicted presenting the view with a copy of both the Declaration of Independence and the treaty of alliance between the United States and the Kingdom of France. At his feet lie shredded documents sent by the English in attempts to broker peace and at his side are military documents and correspondences between Washington and other Founding Fathers. Tending to the General’s horse is an African slave, perhaps Washington’s long-time enslaved valet William Lee. It is unlikely this is meant to be a literal depiction of Lee’s physical appearance, but rather a symbolic representation of the man.