Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > Related Images
The American rattle snake
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
The American rattle snake
The American rattle snake. Cartoon shows American snake, the emblem used by Americans as a device on their flag before the adoption of the stars and stripes, with two of three coils around units of British soldiers, commanded by Burgoyne and Cornwallis at time of their surrender. Gillray is lampooning the British war effort. The verse printed below the image reflects the widespread sympathy in England for the American cause. Date 1782 April 12th. The American rattle snake. Cartoon shows American snake, the emblem used by Americans as a device on their flag before the adoption of the stars and stripes, with two of three coils around units of British soldiers, commanded by Burgoyne and Cornwallis at time of their surrender. Gillray is lampooning the British war effort. The verse printed below the image reflects the widespread sympathy in England for the American cause. Date 1782 April 12th
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 7348888
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10608451
EDITORS COMMENTS
This satirical print, titled "The American Rattle Snake," dates back to April 12, 1782, and was created by the renowned British caricaturist, James Gillray. The image depicts a coiled American rattlesnake, an emblem used by the American colonists before the adoption of the Stars and Stripes flag, encircling two units of British soldiers under the command of Generals Burgoyne and Cornwallis. The scene represents the moment of their surrender, a significant victory for the American forces during the Revolutionary War. Gillray's intention with this cartoon was to lampoon the failing British war effort. The soldiers appear disheveled, with one soldier holding a broken musket, symbolizing the weakness and disarray of the British military. The American rattlesnake, on the other hand, is portrayed as powerful and triumphant, its rattles ominously warning the viewer of the impending danger. The verse printed below the image reflects the growing sympathy for the American cause in England. It reads, "These Sons of Freedom, whom the British Lion, / In his pride, hath rous'd to defend their Rights, / Have arm'd themselves with the great Art of Lions, / And will, I ween, give him many a bitter Bite." This verse highlights the idea that the American colonists, though seemingly weak and unassuming, possess the strength and determination to defend their rights and ultimately defeat the British. Overall, "The American Rattle Snake" is a powerful visual representation of the shifting tides of the Revolutionary War and the growing sentiment in favor of American independence in both America and England.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
