Paul Revere 1734 - 1818

the hands on the clock at upper left reading 10:20 (Brigham cites a variant with the time being 8:00), on laid paper with the Strasburg Lily watermark, framed. The sheet with a thread margin at bottom, trimmed on or just inside the platemark on the other three sides, a one inch tear at top, several skillfully repaired splits and tears throughout and made up paper losses at sheet edges, pale discoloration and surface soiling.

Kennedy Galleries, according to a label on the back of the frame;
Christie's New York, The Collection of Mr. & Mrs. Bertram D. Coleman, January 16, 1998, sale 8842, lot 182 (label on reverse);
Acquired by the present owner from the above.

 

The sheet with a thread margin at bottom, trimmed on or just inside the platemark on the other three sides, a one inch tear at top, several skillfully repaired splits and tears throughout and made up paper losses at sheet edges, pale discoloration and surface soiling.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Bloody Massacre is one of the earliest political prints created in America and depicts a pivital moment in the young country's struggle for independence. A group of British soldiers, taunted by a small mob of patriots, opened fire on the civilians in an act of confusion that was later seen as outright murder. Five men died at the scene.

Paul Revere learned the art of printmaking through his skills as a silversmith. Like the fifteenth century goldsmiths before him, who developed engraving and etching, Revere drew an easy parallel between chasing silver and engraving copper plates. His composition comes from Henry Pelham, who had asked Revere's opinion on his engraved depiction of the historical moment. Revere took the composition and proceeded to publish his own print, well ahead of Pelham's and only a few weeks after the incident. Naturally, Pelham was enraged and called Revere's actions "dishonorable."

Revere's engraving, based as it is on Pelham's, depicts the British soldiers as executioners: they stand stiffly in line and fire at the crumpling mass of unarmed Bostonians, their red uniforms and grim expressions suggesting devils emerging from clouds of smoke. A small dog, long the symbol of obedience and loyalty, stands ominously in the foreground, seemingly oblivious to the violent scene behind him.