The American Rattle Snake

Various artists/makers

Not on view

This satirical print, perhaps one of Gillray's earliest, uses a snake--a popular American symbol before the invention of the emblematic stars and stripes. The coils here surround two military camps with text below that states, "Two British Armies I have thus Burgoyn'd, And room for more I've got behind." A sign on the serpent's tail reads, "An Apartment to lett for Military Gentlemen," referring to the recent surrender of Generals Burgoyne and Cornwallis to the Americans.

The American Rattle Snake, Attributed to James Gillray (British, London 1756–1815 London), Etching

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The American Rattle Snake, Attributed to James Gillray (British, London 1756–1815 London), Etching
The American Rattle Snake, Attributed to James Gillray (British, London 1756–1815 London), Etching

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