Amusement for John Bull & His Cousin Paddy, or, the Gambols of the American Buffalo, in St. James's Street

Art Historical Context

This 1783 engraving by John Fielding captures the lively political satire that flourished in Britain at the close of the American War. Titled *Amusement for John Bull & His Cousin Paddy, or, the Gambols of the American Buffalo, in St. James's Street*, the print uses familiar national symbols—John Bull for England and his Irish “cousin” Paddy—to poke fun at the unexpected antics of the newly independent United States, represented here as a boisterous American buffalo. Created on May 1, just months before the Treaty of Paris formally recognized American independence, the scene reflects Britain’s...