Henry Pelham, “The Fruits of Arbitrary Power, or the Bloody Massacre,” 1770

Henry Pelham was an American artist born and raised in Boston. Following the massacre, Pelham drew this scene and entrusted it to Paul Revere to engrave. Pelham had intended to sell copies of the image; however, Revere took credit and sold it himself. While the painting and subsequent engraving made neither man wealthy, it became one of the most effective pieces of propaganda in American history. In the image here, note where Pelham places the soldiers in relation to the townspeople and in relation to the Custom House (rear center).

image
Source: American Antiquarian Society.

Evaluating the Evidence

  1. Question

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  2. Question

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