This engraving shows the Battle of Yorktown – location of the surrender of the British Army during the American Revolution. The Battle of Yorktown ended on October 19, 1781. Created by an unknown French artist, and published in Paris, France in 1781, the intent of the print is not to give an accurate depiction of military details, but to celebrate the victory and emphasize the role the French played in helping to win the American Revolution. It includes details about the number and locations of soldiers and weapons and a key to identify locations, such as Yorktown and Gloucester.
Surrender of the English Army at Yorktown

Surrender of the English Army at Yorktown (VMHC 1993.213)

Detail of Surrender of the English Army at Yorktown (VMHC 1993.213)
It is highly improbable that the artist ever visited America, let alone Yorktown specifically, and therefore would not have witnessed the event firsthand. This becomes evident in the artist's depiction of the landscape.
In the distance, there is a medieval walled city nestled among mountains—a detail that doesn’t fit, given that Yorktown is located in Virginia's Coastal Plain, which is flat and lacks such cities. Additionally, while the navy played a critical role in the Battle of Yorktown, the naval engagements and blockades occurred in the Chesapeake Bay, not directly along the shoreline. It also seems unlikely that in reality the horses and ships were the same size!
The bottom text is in French roughly translates to: "Surrender of the British army of Lord Cornwallis to the combined armies of the United States of America and France commanded by Generals George Washington and Rochambeau at Yorktown and Gloucester, October 19, 1781.”
For the French, supporting the colonies in the war against Great Britain was a way to avenge their loss in the French and Indian War. The French did not formally support the American war effort until 1778. However, a French agent promised to support the Patriots in 1775 if they formally declared independence and showed themselves capable of true military conflict with the British. The promise became known as the “Treaty of Alliance.” In 1776, the French began sending supplies and financial aid, and in 1777 French volunteers like the Marquis de Lafayette crossed the Atlantic to serve under George Washington.
Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, the Comte de Rochambeau, commanded the French expeditionary force sent to assist the American military during the height of the American Revolution. His significant military experience contributed greatly to the success of the Patriots over Great Britian. Today, the Marquis de Lafayette is often better remembered as the most famous Frenchman of the war, primarily because of his hero’s tour of the U.S. in 1824.
Rochambeau was born in 1725 and began his military career at the age of fifteen. He gained experience in War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748) as an aide-de-camp, learning from prominent generals. At age 22, Rochambeau received his commission to Colonel of Régiment de la Marche during the Minocan campaign. During the Seven Year’s War (1756-1763), he was both a line officer directly in command of troops and a staff officer gaining valuable knowledge from senior officers. As a result, he was promoted to Maréchal de Camp and Inspector General of the French infantry.
France sent Rochambeau to North America with 5,500 men in May 1780 to support the Patriots in the American Revolution. Ordered to function as General George Washington’s subordinate, the two men quickly came to respect each other and built a life-long friendship. Rochambeau’s ability to work with colonial leadership and utilize his vast military experience are significant reasons Yorktown was a victory for the Patriots. It is unlikely the Americans could have won independence without the significant help of the French.

Surrender of the English Army at Yorktown (VMHC 1993.213)