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(AMERICAN REVOLUTION—PRINTS.) Dixon, John; artist and engraver.
The Oracle, Representing Britannia, Hibernia, Scotia, & America, as Assembled
to Consult the Oracle on the Present Situation of Public Affairs.
Mezzotint, 21
1
/
2
x 24
1
/
4
inches; moderate wear, faint partial creases, and several short repairs, particularly in
the caption and imprint area, but still presents nicely.
London: R. Sayer & J. Bennett, 1 December 1776
[800/1,200]
Allegorical figures representing England, Ireland, and Scotland watch a magic lantern show of
the glorious future led by George III (naked and looking quite fit). America, represented by a
squatting Indian armed with a bow and arrow, sits apart from the others. Over America’s head
are demons and serpents, apparently facing defeat by the angelic forces of Great Britain. The
print was first published in 1774, and was later satirized in 1778 and 1783; this 1776
printing from Dixon’s plate appears to be unknown other than a copy handled by Maggs in
1929. Neither printing has been traced at auction. See Cresswell, 663; and Rauser, Caricature
Unmasked, page 77 (both describing the 1774 printing).
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