United States, New York, Revolution Chereau, 1780, Die Zerstorung der Koniglichen Bild Saule zu Neu Yorck. / La Destruction de la Statue royale a Nouvelle Yorck.

Striking and highly detailed fine unusual 1780 approx. Jacques Chereau's copper engraved so-called optical view depicting the destruction by the Sons of Liberty of the equestrian statue of King George III in New York City on July 9, 1776, after the public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Historical Context: The statue, erected in 1770 in Bowling Green, a public park in Lower Manhattan, was commissioned by the New York General Assembly as a sign of respect following the repeal of the Stamp Act.

The Event: Soldiers from George Washington's army, civilians, and members of the Sons of Liberty tore down the gilded lead statue, which depicted the king dressed as a Roman emperor on horseback. It stood in Bowling Green.

The statue was later melted down to make bullets and cannonballs to be used against the British, while the severed head was sent to London by Loyalists and has never been recovered. Fragments of the statue are still on display at the New York Historical Society, and the original pedestal is preserved in the museum's archives.

The Vues d'optique were specifically developed to provide the illusion of depth when viewed through a zograscope, also known as an "optical diagonal machine" or viewers with similar functions.

Very good condition. Some small repairs in the margins, not affecting the image. Some light stains in the margins. Original coloring. Ample margins.

Image 26x39cm, sheet 33x49,5cm