Portrait of Washington and a View of the Evacuation of New York by the British, November 25, 1783 - Francis Scott King

A detailed 1899 engraving by Francis Scott King featuring a portrait of George Washington above a scene of the 1783 British evacuation of New York.

This engraving by Francis Scott King, produced in 1899 for the Society of Iconophiles, presents a dual composition documenting a significant moment in American history. The upper portion features a formal portrait of George Washington, rendered within an oval frame. This portrait draws upon established iconography of the first American president, capturing his likeness with the precision characteristic of late nineteenth-century engraving techniques. Below the portrait, a smaller, rectangular vignette depicts the evacuation of New York by British forces on 25 November 1783. This scene shows the harbour filled with ships, marking the final departure of the British military presence from the city at the conclusion of the American Revolutionary War.

The entire composition is unified by an elaborate architectural frame. This frame incorporates neoclassical motifs, including fluted columns, oak leaf garlands, and a central eagle perched atop the portrait enclosure. The inclusion of the Washington family coat of arms, bearing the Latin motto 'Exitus Acta Probat', adds a layer of heraldic detail to the work. The engraving demonstrates the technical skill of King, who was known for his ability to translate complex historical narratives into highly structured, decorative formats. The balance between the portrait and the narrative scene creates a commemorative object that functions as both a visual record and a decorative piece of historical documentation. The fine lines and cross-hatching techniques employed throughout the print provide depth and texture, particularly in the rendering of the architectural elements and the maritime scene. This work reflects the late nineteenth-century interest in historical preservation and the celebration of national origins through the medium of high-quality printmaking.