An Allegory of Britain’s Mercantile Power 

Robert Smirke’s “An Allegory of Britain’s Mercantile Power” depicts a scene of allegorical figures representing aspects of British trade and power. A winged figure, potentially representing Britannia, flies above a city harbor with numerous ships, emphasizing Britain's naval might. Below, a seated female figure, perhaps representing commerce or wealth, holds a shield and appears to be receiving offerings from other figures, symbolizing the benefits of British trade. The drawing's focus on trade and power suggests a celebration of Britain's economic dominance in the 18th century.