Attack on Bunker's Hill, with the Burning of Charles Town after 1783

This anonymous painting depicts the ‘Attack on Bunker’s Hill, with the Burning of Charles Town’ in the American Revolutionary War. It's a scene of chaos and destruction that reveals much about the political and social landscape of the time. The artist uses several visual strategies to make meaning. Note the contrast between the burning town of Charlestown and the relatively untouched Boston. This highlights the violence inflicted upon the American colonies by the British. The presence of British ships suggests naval power and colonial reach. Given that its creator remains unknown, the painting’s place within period artistic institutions is unclear. Was it commissioned, perhaps as propaganda? Either way, by focusing on the events in the colonies, the image subtly shifts power away from London. Understanding art like this demands that historians consult a range of sources: military records, personal letters, and political pamphlets. Only through careful consideration of this historical context can we fully appreciate the work.