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1776 Commodore Hopkins Hand-Colored Revolutionary War Print, Thomas Hart, London

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,000.00 USD
1776 Commodore Hopkins Hand-Colored Revolutionary War Print, Thomas Hart, London
American Revolution
1776 “Commodore Hopkins” Engraved and Hand-Colored Revolutionary War Print Published by Thomas Hart, London
August 22, 1776-Dated Revolutionary War Period, Hand-Colored Print “Commodore Hopkins”, with Banner “Liberty Tree” and "An Appeal to God", Published by Thomas Hart, London, Framed, Fine.
This handsome Hand-Colored Engraved Print measures about 9.75” x 13.75” (by sight), matted and framed to fully 14.5” x 18.5”. Text below image reads, “Commodore Hopkins, Commander in Chief of the American Fleet. Publish'd as the Act directs 22, Augt. 1776, by Thos. Hart, London.”, with printed “91” in lower right corner. Displays a three-quarter length Portrait of Continental Navy Commodore Esek Hopkins, showing him in his Continental naval uniform with one hand holding his drawn Sword and the other one upraised and pointing forward, while he looks off to the left. Several warships sail behind him, and a Banner that has the “Liberty Tree” and "An Appeal to God" is above his outstretched hand. Another flag on the ship at left shows a Rattlesnake with “Don’t Tread upon me” below. A rare engraving, some insect damage at the bottom text, scattered tone and few trivial surface scrapes. Overall, one’s eyes are drawn to the colorful image of Hopkins in his rich blue navy commander’s coat.

Esek Hopkins was the Commander of the fledgling American Navy - comprised of only eight merchant ships outfitted for war as Privateers - during the American Revolution. After several run-ins with Congress over not following orders, and a signed petition of complaint from his officers, Esek Hopkins was suspended in early 1777, and then summarily dismissed in January 1778. "His mediocre record of command, added to his political ineptness, made dismissal inevitable". Naturally, this Engraving portrays Hopkins in a more heroic and dramatic light. Ornately framed showing light wear, and viewed under special UV Plexiglass, ready to hang on display.