detail from an engraving of a facsimile of the Declaration of Independence. Published by John Binns, 1818/19. Library of Congress Online Catalog http://lccn.loc.gov/2003690785
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Print Title: Declaration of Independence (detail) Description:
The Arms of the State of New York, etched and engraved by Geo. Murray, printed on wove paper, Registered by John Binns, 1818, printed 1819.
The Arms of New York, officially adopted in 1778, is dominated by the figures of two goddesses. To the right is the
Goddess of Liberty. Holding a pole, on which rests a Liberty Cap, she represents
the right of people to live independently and free from oppression and tyranny.
The Goddess on the left, blindfolded and holding the sword of justice,
symbolizes the State's pledge of impartial, fair and equal treatment under the
law for all its citizens. Together, these figures stand as a testament to the
twin ideals of liberty and justice for all. In the centre, a shield carries a view of the sun rising over the Huson River, and above the shield an eagle rests atop a globe. Facing west, the eagle symbolizes
opportunity and optimism and represents New York's unique position in the world
as the economic and commercial bridge between the East and the West -- the old
world and the new. Beneath the shield is a ribbon with the State motto, EXCELSIOR, Ever Upward.
Print Source:
The detail of the State Arms is taken from a large facsimile
of the Declaration of Independence, published by John Binns, in a design
registered in 1818 and printed in 1819. Encircling the text of the Declaration
is a ceremonial chain with medallions bearing portraits of Founding Fathers and
the arms of each state. Binns hoped to distribute 200 copies of the
design and it seems that at least one made it to England where, between 1826
and 1830, Thomas Mayer, potter of
Stoke-upon Trent, used it to produce a series of designs. It is believed that he
used 12 of original 13 states’ coats of arms as New Hampshire has never
been seen in this series of pottery prints. More on this print source
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