Proclamation of Peace

October 21, 1783

Not on view

This printed satire responds to treaties that marked the end of the Revolutionary War. Even though fighting came to an end in North America in 1781, it took three more years to negotiate the related international settlement. An official proclamation of peace was made in Britain on October 6, 1783, recorded here on a banner that hangs from the trumpet blown by a winged representation of Peace. Male figures below embody the former combatants–America, France, Spain, Britain and Holland each of whom comments on the situation. Britain would not reach a settlement with Holland until 1784. Two successful British military leaders, Samuel Hood and George Augustus Eliott, are mentioned in the verse in the lower margin. America is characterized as "Miss revolt" who "may yet come to repent of [her] fault."

Artwork Details

Title: Proclamation of Peace
Artist: Anonymous, British, 18th century
Publisher: William Wells (British, active London 1779–85)
Subject: General George Augustus Eliott (British, 1717–1790)
Subject: Samuel Hood, 1st Viscount Hood (British, 1724–1816)
Date: October 21, 1783
Medium: Etching
Dimensions: plate: 11 1/8 x 9 1/4 in. (28.3 x 23.5 cm)
sheet: 12 5/16 x 10 1/16 in. (31.2 x 25.5 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Gift of William H. Huntington, 1883
Object Number: 83.2.1040
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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