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 Virgina, etched and engraved by Geo. Murray, printed on wove paper, Registered by John Binns, 1818, printed 1819.
The Commonwealth of Virginia has no official Coat-of-arms, but uses imagery from its great seal. The engraving seen here is based on the front or obverse, which is officially described as "Virtus the genius of the Commonwealth", dressed as an Amazon, resting on a spear in her right hand, point downward, touching the earth; and holding in her left hand, a sheathed sword, or parazonium, pointing upward; her head erect and face upturned; her left foot on the form of Tyranny represented by the prostrate body of a man, with his head to her left, his fallen crown nearby, a broken chain in his left hand, and a scourge in his right. Above the group and within the border conforming therewith, shall be the word Virginia, and, in the space below, on a curved line, shall be the motto, Sic Semper Tyrannis." In this case the motto is inscribed on a ribbon at the foot of Virtus, and translated means, Thus Always to Tyrants.
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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