The Bloody Massacre Perpetrated in King Street Boston on March 5th 1770

Paul Revere

“The Bloody Massacre Perpetrated in King Street Boston on March 5^th 1770”

Copper engraving with watercolor on laid paper

25.8 x 33.4 cm. (plate)

March 28, 1770

Paul Revere(1734-1818) was an American silversmith and militia officer in the American Revoultion.  He is most famous for alerting the militia of the British forces approaching, as made famous in Henry Wasworth Longfellow’s poem “Paul Revere’s Ride”.  One thing that makes Paul Revere so interesting is that not only was he a prominent figure in the militia, he was also a gifted artist.  Most people know of his work with silver: his teapots and such.  But most people don’t realize that he was also a gifted engraver.  This engraving shows his skill in an area different than what he specialized in.  This piece is also important because it helped spread the word of what happened in the Massacre.  It was printed in the newspapers within a few days of the event and helped to spread awareness of what happened that day.

Margret Atkinson, an elementary school teacher wrote…”’ The Bloody Massacre Perpetrated in King Street...’ reflects a patriot perspective on this important event in American history.”’