First Self Portrait of the New United States of America
Suggested by the authors of Declaration
of Independence – but never illustrated until now.
On the afternoon of July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress asked Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin to design a national symbol, a Great Seal for the new United States of America.
These essential Founders consulted with Pierre Du Simitiere, a heraldry expert. Six weeks later, they recommended an image – in the form of its written heraldic description. No artwork was submitted.
Their vision strongly influenced the final Great Seal adopted June 20, 1782,
but their design has never been rendered into a full-color artwork, as intended.
Now is the time to create an accurate yet 21st-century realization
of America's first selfie, so we can see our Founders' clear call for
liberty, justice, and unity – one that resonates today more than ever.
This first attempt suggests the design's potential:
From its written description:
Shield: symbols of countries from which the US was peopled –
England, Scotland, Germany, Holland, France, Ireland.
A golden chain links initials of the 13 states.
Supporters: The Goddess Liberty in a corselet of armor alluding
to the present Times, holding in her right Hand the Spear & Cap.
The Goddess Justice bearing a Sword
in her right hand, and in her left a Balance.
Crest: The Eye of Providence in a radiant Triangle whose
Glory extends over the Shield and beyond the Figures.
Motto: E Pluribus Unum • Date: MDCCLXXVI (1776)
Inaccuracies in the image:
Liberty is not wearing a "corselet of armor."
Symbols of the countries are in a different order.
The description does not specify a blindfold on Justice.
Light doesn't "extend over the Shield and beyond the Figures."
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For Artists who Want to Do the Bright Thing,
GreatSeal.com would be pleased to share your artwork.
Consider female figures for the Goddess Justice
and Liberty who are more pro-active and universal.
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Make America Bright Again
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