Citizen Fire Company Parade Hat

Description:

In the early 1800s, classical images associated with Greece and Rome became popular in America. In art and architecture, Americans sought to link their young nation to these republics of antiquity. The Roman goddess Libertas, representing personal sovereignty, was changed into Lady Liberty and adopted as an American symbol. The Citizen Fire Company chose Liberty as their emblem at its founding in 1836. Depicted on this parade hat, the female figure holds an American shield in one hand representing strength and protection. The red liberty cap atop a pole in Liberty's other hand was an internationally known symbol of the American Revolution that was also adopted from the Roman Empire.

Date Made: c.1840-1860

Associated: Citizen Fire Company #3Maker: unknown

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States

Depicted: LibertySubject: Fire FightingFraternal Associations

Subject:

See more items in: Home and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement, Cultures & Communities, Clothing & Accessories, Family & Social Life, Work, American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith, Art, Artifact Walls exhibit

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Related Publication: Harden, J. David. Liberty Caps and Liberty Trees, Korshak, Yvonne. The Liberty Cap as a Revolutionary Symbol in America and France, McCosker, M.J.. The Historical Collection of the Insurance Company of North America

Credit Line: Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 2005.0233.0027Catalog Number: 2005.0233.0027Accession Number: 2005.0233

Object Name: hat, fire

Physical Description: painted (overall production method/technique)pressed felt (overall material)yellow (overall color)red (brim; banner color)gold (trim color)black (; letter highlighting color)green (banner color)paint (overall material)Measurements: overall: 8 1/2 in x 10 in x 15 in; 21.59 cm x 25.4 cm x 38.1 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ac-0eb5-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1318655

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