Protectors of Liberty

Irish and British prints, such as this example, celebrated the Irish Volunteers. The uniformed Volunteer in this print extends his arm to the allegorical figure of Liberty holding a liberty pole and cap. To many Irishmen, the Volunteers represented selfless, model citizens who took up arms in defense of their rights and homeland.

An Irish Volunteer Taking Liberty Under His Protection 
Engraved by Jean-Marie Delatre after Thomas Stothard
May 24, 1786
Stipple Engraving and Engraving
Courtesy of Winterthur Museum, Museum Purchase