Lithograph, 1897
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Birth of Our Nation's Flag |
Illustration of the acceptance of the first American Flag. Betsy Ross, seated in her chair with sewing threads and tools, holds up the completed flag for George Washington and other members of the flag committee to view.
The caption explains the scene:
"THE FIRST AMERICAN FLAG ACCEPTED by COMMITTEE and ADOPTED by Resolution of Congress JUNE 14 th , 1777, as the National Standard, was made by BETSY ROSS, IN 1776, at 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, in the room represented in this Picture. The Committee: ROBERT MORRIS and Hon. GEORGE ROSS, accompanied by GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON, called upon this Celebrated Woman, and, together with her suggestions, produced our beautiful EMBLEM OF LIBERTY."
Henry Atwell Thomas (1834-1904) was the leading lithographer documenting and celebrating the American theater in the 19th century, from dramatic actors to burlesque performers. He began operating under the name H.A. Thomas Lith; this firm was succeeded by Thomas & Eno and Thomas & Wylie. In addition to theatrical subjects, throughout his career Thomas also published prints of New York landmarks and historical events. In 1886, he was recognized with a major art, music and drama festival at the Academy of Music , presented as a "testimonial to Henry A. Thomas, artist."
References:
Groce, George C. and Wallace, David H. The New-York Historical Society's Dictionary of Artists in America 1564-1860. New Haven : Yale University Press, 1969. p. 625.
Peters, Harry T. America on Stone. U.S. : Doubleday, Doran, 1931. pp.384-385.