Liberty Banner, 1790s
Liberty Banner, 1790s
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- Description
- This rare silk banner was probably carried in a public parade in Philadelphia in the mid to late 1790s. Its elaborate design suggests the importance of such festivals, which provided a place for many Americans, voters and non-voters, to express patriotic sentiments or partisan views on current events.
- The banner, mostly likely made by women, is embroidered on both sides, so that it could be viewed as it was carried down the street or hung from a prominent building. The Liberty figure here wears a Grecian garment, carries a pole with a “liberty cap” on it, and nourishes the American eagle—all while standing triumphant over the fallen crown and broken chains of monarchy.
- Object Name
- Banner
- date made
- 1796
- Physical Description
- silk (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 55 in x 46 in; 139.7 cm x 116.84 cm
- ID Number
- 1985.0849.01
- accession number
- 1985.0849
- catalog number
- 1985.0849.01
- subject
- Liberty
- See more items in
- Political and Military History: Political History, General History Collection
- Government, Politics, and Reform
- American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith
- Exhibition
- American Democracy
- Exhibition Location
- National Museum of American History
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Jennifer
Mon, 2019-03-18 08:50