Description
Offered here is a scarce and exceptional 18th-century hand-colored copperplate engraving titled Portrait and Uniform of an American General, and a Real Representation of the Dress of an American Rifleman. It was created by the artist Roberts and originally published in 1783 for Edward Barnard’s New, Comprehensive, Impartial and Complete History of England.
This large-format engraving, measuring approximately 15 inches wide by 9.5 inches high, presents two full-length figures: a Continental Army general in full dress and an American rifleman wearing the iconic fringed hunting shirt associated with frontier warfare and patriotic resistance. The hand-coloring on this impression is vivid and clearly applied near the time of printing, making it far more visually striking than typical uncolored examples.
What sets this impression apart is the absence of the printed heading found on many other versions: “Engraved for Barnard’s New Complete Authentic History of England.” This missing title line may indicate an early or separately issued state, making it rarer than the standard edition. The sheet retains full margins and a strong plate impression, with only minor signs of age. A note reading “c.1790” appears on the piece, showing past research.
This is a highly desirable example for collectors of Revolutionary War-era prints, early Americana, and rare book illustration. Its combination of size, condition, hand-coloring, and variant publication status make it an important visual artifact of the American struggle for independence.
Serious inquiries and offers are welcome.
