The Boston Massacre

1940

Archie Thompson, after Paul Revere

Associated Names
Archie Thompson

Artist, American, 1886-1975

This is a painting of a historical scene showing a confrontation between soldiers and civilians on a city street. The image depicts an event known as "The Bloody Massacre" in Boston and is set in an urban landscape with buildings on both sides of the street. A significant church or public building is seen in the background, with a cloud of smoke in the center, indicating gunfire. On the left side, a group of civilians appear distressed, some on the ground, while on the opposite side, soldiers stand in a line, some firing weapons. The scene conveys chaos, violence, and unrest. The style is reminiscent of Paul Revere's engravings of American Revolutionary themes.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
On View

West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G28


Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor and pen and ink on paper

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 50.7 x 40.7 cm (19 15/16 x 16 in.)
    Original IAD Object: 8 7/8" high; 9 7/8" wide

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.12863


Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

lower left in black ink: ARCHIE THOMPSON

Markings

None.

Watermarks

None.

Wikidata ID

Q64536325

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