TRIUMPH OF LIBERTY. DEDICATED TO ITS DEFENDERS IN AMERICA [caption title].
Renault, John-Francis, artist, and Peter Verger, engraver:
Sold by William Reese Company, New York, NY, U.S.A.
Association Member:
AbeBooks Seller since 13 July 2006
Sold by William Reese Company, New York, NY, U.S.A.
Association Member:
AbeBooks Seller since 13 July 2006
An attractive and elaborate allegorical engraving celebrating American independence, drawn by French-American artist John-Francis Renault and engraved by Peter Verger, both known almost exclusively for the present print. The print, first published in 1796 and then again with the addition of extensive descriptive text in 1798, uses Classical iconography to illustrate America's victory, with the gods (led by Minerva, with the American eagle on her aegis) paying honor to American heroes and laying waste to the concepts and persons of monarchy. As a French veteran of the American Revolution and transatlantic witness to the French Revolution, it is perhaps unsurprising that Renault would choose such subject matter for this dramatic piece. Reilly describes the print and its features in detail: "An allegory of liberty flourishing and monarchy and tyranny in decline. In a wooded grove Minerva, with a shield bearing the arms of the United States and a flag emblazoned with stars, pours libations on an altar fire. Beside her are three female figures. The first, Plenty, holds a torch to a pile of titles of nobility, crowns, scepters, and other attributes of monarchy. Justice holds a sword and scales, and Peace an olive branch. Behind them is a small pyramid on a pedestal inscribed with the names: Hancock, Warren, Sullivan, Putnam, Scamel, Barber, Green, Laurens, Wooster, Mercer, and Poor. Two urns on the monument are labeled "B. Franklin" and "Montgomery." To the right is a column, surmounted by a seated, nude Liberty figure holding a wreath. Below it stands a cherub with a scroll with the words 'Allons enfans de la Patrie.,' an open book labeled 'The Rights of Man,' a staff and liberty cap, and a flag. Behind is a mountainous landscape and town. In the lower right foreground stands another group, including a king about to stab himself, several other monarchs cringing, and a standing woman. In the lower left stand an aged classical priest and a writhing, mutilated hydra appear. "Stauffer describes an impression [the 1798 edition, with re-engraved title and imprint] accompanied by the following text: 'By a Column raised to Liberty, is a Monument sacred to the memory of the American Heroes, fallen in defence of their Country. While, Liberty is Crowning them, America uder [sic] the figure of Minerva sacrifices to their Manes, and a Priest of that Deity sings their glorious actions. The Hydra of Despotism mortally wounded by those great men expires in frightful convulsions. Peace and Justice hand in hand, join with America in her homage to Liberty. Plenty reclining on her emblematical Horn, reposes on American ground. The Genius of Liberty points out the declaration of Independence and a Book of the American Constitution. From the dreadful Sight, a group of Kings turn away with horror and dismay.'" Not much is known about Renault or Verger beyond their production of this print. Describing the former as an "Allegorical & historical painter," Falk writes that "Renault claimed to have been at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781 as assistant secretary to Count de Grasse and Engineer to the French Army. His 'Triumph of Liberty' was advertised in NYC in 1795 by D.F. Launy and again in 1797 by Renault and Verger. In 1819, he published an engraving of the British officers surrendering their arms to Washington at Yorktown, describing himself as a U.S. Citizen." Falk has little to add respecting Verger, except that "He was associated with John Francis Renault in the publication of the latter's 'Triumph of Liberty' print," and that he was "Active in NYC from 1795-97; Paris in 1806." OCLC locates copies of the first edition of this print at the Society of the Cincinnati, American Antiquarian Society, and Massachusetts Historical Society. We locate further copies at the Library of Congress and Yale Art Gallery. A rare and dramatic allegorical print, published on the twentieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. REILLY 1796-1. STAUFFER 3344. FOWBLE.
Seller Inventory # 65977
Terms of Trade
All initial queries concerning items listed on ABEBooks.com by William Reese Company must be made via e-mail.
All material offered herein is offered subject to prior sale and is shipped subject to approval, but notification of return must be made within thirty days and returns made in a prompt and conscientious fashion. New customers are asked to prepay, or supply ABAA/ILAB references. Payment may be made by check, wire transfer or bank draft, and we also accept Visa and MasterCar...
If you are a consumer you can withdraw from the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.
Information regarding the right of withdrawal
Statutory right to withdraw
You have the right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.
The withdrawal period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the last good or the last lot or piece.
To exercise the right of withdrawal, electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". We will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.
To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period has expired.
Effects of withdrawal
If you withdraw from this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).
We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.
We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to withdraw from this contract.
We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.
We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back, or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.
You shall send back the goods or hand them over to William Reese Company, New York, New York, U.S.A., without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your withdrawal from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Exceptions to the right of withdrawal
The right of withdrawal does not apply to:
Orders usually ship within 3 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.
| Order quantity | 7 to 21 business days | 3 to 10 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 10.41 | £ 15.61 |
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.