The scattered collection is that of Ambassador J. William Middendorf II, and it is already salivating: furniture, folk art, cards as well as a lot of about thirty English ceramics, from the Longridge collection. A few paintings by great American figures such as Alexander Hamilton or George Washington can be found there – two are made by James Sharples.
But it is certainly the Declaration of Independence which will be a major piece. This historic pillar in the creation of the United States is one of the fundamental elements in the history of the country.
«The items in this sale not only help tell the rich and complex history of colonial and revolutionary America, but also that of those who made these items: the printers, engravers, painters and writers on both sides of the Atlantic.»
Aindi, this print recounting the King Street massacre in Boston, March 5, 1770 : it is about a confrontation between the Thirteen colonies which made up North America and the forces of Great Britain. Five civilians were killed, six others injured. But the incident then served as a propaganda medium to fuel hatred against the British – and therefore, to foster the creation of an independent nation.
The text is signed by Paul Revere, a silversmith, but also a fervent patriot, figure of the American Revolution – a citizen of Boston moreover… He produced the engraving which does not really represent the event, which is most certainly inspired by a drawing by Henry Pelham.
We will find the detail of the catalog of these days at this address.
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