Common-Wealth, The Colossus 1766

This satirical print, "Common-Wealth, The Colossus," from 1766, is a powerful piece of political commentary. An anonymous artist uses the image of a man standing on stilts as a metaphor for the instability of British power in America. The stilts are labeled with "New York," "War," "Peace," and "Gold," representing the volatile political and economic factors of the time. The man, labeled "The Colossus," is attempting to juggle a variety of objects, symbolizing the challenges of maintaining control over the colonies. This print is a valuable historical artifact that offers insights into the complexities of the relationship between Britain and America during the years leading up to the American Revolution.