Declaration of Independence
Label Text
In this inventive version of the Declaration of Independence, a bust portrait of George Washington appears within Thomas Jefferson’s immortal words. The Great Seal of the United States—featuring a bald eagle—sits above the text, while 36 state seals—one for each state in 1865—appear to sprout from an encircling vine. The designer of this lithograph, William Henry Pratt, also created calligraphy portraits of George Washington within the Constitution and Abraham Lincoln within the Emancipation Proclamation.
Read MoreRead Less
Datec. 1865
After
Gilbert Stuart
(American, 1755 - 1828)
Designer
William Henry Pratt
(American, 1822 - 1893)
Lithographer
Augustus Hageboeck
(American, active c. 1866 - 1886)
Printer
Augustus Hageboeck
(American, active c. 1866 - 1886)
Subject
George Washington
(American, 1732 - 1799)
Geography
Printed -
United States
Medium/TechniqueInk on paper; lithograph.
DimensionsOverall print sheet (H x W): 25 3/4 in. × 21 1/2 in. (65.41 cm × 54.61 cm)
Credit LineAcquired through the generosity of Richard Burrus, Albert Small, Ann West, and the Broyhill Family Foundation, 2012
Object numberM-5273
DescriptionThis print is a calligraphic version of the Declaration of Independence, with the text lettering shaded to create a bust-length portrait of George Washington, after Gilbert Stuart's "Athenaeum" portrait. Arranged around the image of Washington are the various seals of the states c. 1865. MarkingsPrinted in ink on the upper edge on the ribbon in the eagle's mouth: "E / Pluribus / Unum."
Printed in ink above the main text and image of Washington: "Declaration of Independence."
Printed in ink above each state seal is the name of the state to which it corresponds.
Printed in ink on the ribbon at lower left: "Designed and written / by W. H. Pratt / Davenport, Iowa."
Printed in ink on the ribbon at lower right: "Lith. and print. / by A. Hageboeck Davenport, Iowa."
Printed in ink on the reverse of the mat board: "Birge- Made in USA".
Mount Vernon's object research is ongoing and information about this object is subject to change. For information on image use and reproductions, click here.
c. 1876
