Late 18th C. Rev. War Engraving, "The Unfortunate Death of Major Andr?" from "Barnard's History"

Revolutionary War
[London, England], Late 18th century
Late 18th C. Rev. War Engraving, "The Unfortunate Death of Major Andr?" from "Barnard's History"
Engraving

An engraving from "Barnard's New, Comprehensive and Complete History of England: From the Earliest Period of Authentic Information to the Middle of the Year MDCCCLXXXIII." Originally the book was "Printed for the Author and Published by Alex. Hogg, at No. 16, Pater-Noster Row" ca. 1781-1783, but this engraving could come from a later 1790s edition. Expected wear including isolated edge darkening, a few marginal wrinkles, and minor to moderate soiling to the bottom margin. Else very good to near fine. 8.875" x 15.125."

The engraving is entitled in full: "The Unfortunate Death of Major Andr? (Adjutant General to the English Army) at Head Quarters in New York, Octr. 2, 1780, who was found within the American Lines in the character of a Spy." After artist William Hamilton (1751-1801) and probably by engraver John Goldar (1729-1795). On laid paper. Printed "Hamilton delin." at lower left, and "Goldar Sculp." at lower right, above the title/caption. With lovely decorative elements in the trompe l'oeil borders surrounding the image.

The engraving depicts Major John Andr? (1750/51-1780), the wartime leader of British intelligence operations in America, being executed at Tappan, New York on October 2, 1780. Andr? had become marooned behind enemy lines in September 1780 after meeting with Continental General Benedict Arnold about his plans to switch sides. The Major was apprehended traveling in civilian clothes and using an assumed name. He was sentenced to hang as a spy, the same fate as Patriot Nathan Hale four years earlier, in 1776. Major Andr?'s execution has been sympathetically described by contemporaries, who noted his fearlessness and calm on the gallows. The artist took minor license with some historical details: Major Andr?'s hands were bound with a handkerchief, not loose at his sides; and another handkerchief concealed just his eyes, not his entire face.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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8.875" x 15.125"