Goddess of Liberty Figure
Goddess of Liberty Figure
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- Description
- Before Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty were created, Columbia was an idealized feminine figure that personified the new nation of America. The concept was created in 1697 when Chief Justice Samuel Sewall of the Massachusetts Bay Colony wrote a poem that suggested that the American colonies be called Columbina, a feminized version of Christopher Columbus’ last name. Over 70 years later, the name evolved when former slave, Phillis Wheatley, wrote an ode to George Washington invoking Columbia in 1775. Over time, the image of Columbia became a symbol for American ideals during wars such as the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and World War I, as well as the subject of political cartoons and literary works. With her liberty cap and patriotic shield, Columbia stood as the spirit of the country, and her impact can still be seen in the naming of companies such as Columbia Bicycles, Columbia Records, and Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS).
- Object Name
- figure
- date made
- ca 1850 - 1880
- Physical Description
- wood (overall material)
- paint (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 79 in x 24 in; 200.66 cm x 60.96 cm
- ID Number
- CL.65.1126
- accession number
- 256396
- catalog number
- 65.1126
- Credit Line
- The Eleanor and Mabel Van Alstyne American Folk Art Collection
- subject
- Liberty
- See more items in
- Cultural and Community Life: Folk Art
- Cultures & Communities
- Art
- Many Voices, One Nation
- Exhibition
- Many Voices, One Nation
- Exhibition Location
- National Museum of American History
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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