Vignette Showing Britannia, Neptune, France and Sea Battle 1778

This anonymous 1778 engraving, titled "Vignette Showing Britannia, Neptune, France and Sea Battle," depicts a dramatic scene from the American Revolutionary War. The central battle scene shows ships engaged in fierce combat, while figures representing Britannia, Neptune, and France symbolize the larger geopolitical forces at play. The composition is framed by a decorative border of leaves and flowers, typical of engravings from this period. The artwork, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, provides a glimpse into the visual culture of a time when the struggle for American independence was shaping the world.