Le Général Washington Ne Quid Detrimenti Capiat Res Publica
Artifact IDTL 2026.1.41
Object Type
Temporary Loan
Date
1780
Place MadeParis, France
Medium
engraved print
Dimensionssheet H 20 in x W 15 1/2 in (50.8 cm x 39.4 cm)
Physical DescriptionLe Général Washington Ne Quid Detrimenti Capiat Res Publica
(Paris: Le Mire [after Le Paon] ca. 1780).
widely circulated copperplate engraving titled Le Général Washington ne quid detrimenti capiat res publica. Created by French engraver Noël Le Mire and based on a painting by Jean-Baptiste Le Paon. General George Washington stands at his field headquarters in military uniform. He holds copies of the Declaration of Independence and the 1778 Treaty of Alliance with France. At Washington's feet lie trampled, torn British parliamentary declarations and reconciliation bills, symbolizing the rejection of British imperial rule. In the background, a turbaned valet tends to Washington's horse. Historians identify this figure as a representation of William Lee, Washington's literate, enslaved wartime valet.
Additional Details(Paris: Le Mire [after Le Paon] ca. 1780).
widely circulated copperplate engraving titled Le Général Washington ne quid detrimenti capiat res publica. Created by French engraver Noël Le Mire and based on a painting by Jean-Baptiste Le Paon. General George Washington stands at his field headquarters in military uniform. He holds copies of the Declaration of Independence and the 1778 Treaty of Alliance with France. At Washington's feet lie trampled, torn British parliamentary declarations and reconciliation bills, symbolizing the rejection of British imperial rule. In the background, a turbaned valet tends to Washington's horse. Historians identify this figure as a representation of William Lee, Washington's literate, enslaved wartime valet.
Credit LineCourtesy of the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPolitical Memorabilia (National Archives Identifier 1677287)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction NoteThe use of this image and document information is fully restricted. Reproduction in any manner is not allowed.Not on view