The Bostonian's Paying the Excise-Man, or Tarring & Feathering

published 1774

Attributed to Philip Dawe

Associated Names
Philip Dawe

Artist, British, c. 1750 - c. 1785

The image shows a group of men holding down another person. The central figure is laid out and covered with feathers. His facial expression appears distressed, with long hair. The other individuals wear long coats, hats, and trousers. One man is pouring liquid labeled "Tea" on the central figure. In the background, there are ships and a large tree labeled "LIBERTY TREE" with a sign attached. The scene is monochrome, with shades of brown and tan.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    mezzotint on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Paul Mellon Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 35.1 x 25.4 cm (13 13/16 x 10 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1985.64.165

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2016

  • Three Centuries of American Prints: from the National Gallery of Art, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2016 - 2017, unnumbered catalogue.

Inscriptions

across bottom in plate: The BOSTONIAN'S Paying the EXCISE-MAN, or TARRING & FEATHERING / London Printed for Robt. Sayer &J.Bennett,Map & Printseller,No.53,Fleet Stree t,as the Act directs 31,Octr.1774.

Wikidata ID

Q74070770

You may be interested in

Loading Results