'An Irish Volunteer', 1786 (c)

Stipple engraving by Delatre after Stothard, published by Thomas Macklin, London, 24 May 1786.

Volunteer units were established to defend Ireland at a time when many when regular troops were employed fighting the American War of Independence (1776-1783). These units were set up outside of government control and marked a major milestone in the development of Irish paramilitary forces. The volunteers were enlisted to the cause of political reform in Ireland and were perceived as threat by the Irish government. They were brought to an end in 1793 with the revival of the Irish Militia.

This engraving shows a gallant volunteer offering protection to a group of women, one of whom holds a Phrygian cap (or liberty cap) on a pole. The image of the volunteer as the defender of liberty was common at this time.