Va de Bon Coeur; Dédié aux Milords de l'Amirauté Anglaise par un Membre de Congrès Américain 1778

This engraving, made by Richard Purcell, presents a symbolic struggle with complex historical undertones. We see an eagle—a traditional symbol of authority and imperial power—being attacked by figures representing different nations. Observe how the eagle, often associated with Rome and later adopted by numerous empires, here embodies America, reflecting its nascent yet ambitious aspirations. The act of plucking its feathers is not merely destructive; it is a symbolic dismemberment of power. We see how its wings connect to other artworks across time that show the despoliation of power, such as the Winged Victory of Samothrace, an ancient Greek sculpture. The emotional intensity in this image is palpable. The chaotic composition and the violent actions evoke a sense of outrage and defiance. The image serves as a potent reminder of how cultural symbols are continuously reinterpreted and repurposed to express resistance, and the complex interplay of power and identity.