Wood Engraving of the Surrender of Cornwallis

American engraving of the surrender of Cornwallis, depicting Cornwallis and troops presenting sword to George Washington and a fellow commander on the battle encampment, in a gilt wo...

Italian Neo-classic framed lithograph of the assassination of Adeodato Doge IV by Galla and conspirators in a black and gold decorated frame (FRANCESCO DEL PEDRO)

Antique print titled 'General Elliot haranguing his Troops, previous to the Attack (..)'. Engraving of General Elliot and his troops previous to the attack of the gun boats...

Presented is an engraving entitled “The British surrendering their arms to Gen. Washington after their defeat at Yorktown Virginia October 1781.” The dedication continues in the bottom margin, “To the defenders of American independence, this print is most respectfully inscribed by their fellow citizen, Jn. Fcis. Renault, assistant secretary to the Count de Grass, and engineer to the French Army, at the siege of York.” The engraving is after a painting by John Francis Renault, and engraved by Tanner, Vallance, Kearny & Co. and William Allen, in Philadelphia in January of 1819. This historic print depicts the surrender of the British forces after the Battle of Yorktown. The print shows Lord Cornwallis offering his sword to the Duke de Lauzun, who defers the weapon to General Washington. British officers stand with Cornwallis on the right and French and American officers are shown at center and left. The immediate background is filled with an elaborate allegorical scene. Behind the British troops is a female representation of “Discord,” wearing a billowing robes and liberty cap and floating on storm clouds, as she sends lightning bolts to up-end the British people and a chariot below her. Behind the American and French officers, “Prosperity” stands next to an overflowing cornucopia, with “Justice”, an infant child with a paddle inscribed “American Constitution,” representing the helm of statehood. They crowd around a neoclassical monument with a giant urn...