The Destruction of the Royal Statue at New York on July 9, 1776 1776 - 1790

Franz Xavier Habermann made this print, "The Destruction of the Royal Statue at New York on July 9, 1776," using etching and engraving, techniques that rely on incising lines into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing it onto paper. The image depicts a pivotal moment during the American Revolution, as a statue of King George III is torn down. The act of pulling down the statue mirrors the colonists' rejection of British rule and their assertion of independence, with the ropes and brute force symbolizing the collective action and physical labor required to overthrow tyranny. Habermann's choice of printmaking as a medium is important, allowing for the wide dissemination of this image and thus influencing public opinion. This print transcends the traditional boundaries of fine art, functioning as a powerful piece of political propaganda. It serves as a reminder of how materials and making processes can be deeply intertwined with social and political change.