Artwork
Emblem of the United States of America
Emblem of the United States of America is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Samuel A. Harris. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Samuel A.
About this work
Overview
Samuel A. Harris’s 1804 engraving, titled Emblem of the United States of America, is a black‑ink print on laid paper. The composition is framed by decorative swirls and stars, enclosing a central allegorical scene that functions as a visual representation of national ideals.
Subject & Meaning
At the heart of the image sits a cloaked female figure, reminiscent of classical personifications of liberty. She rests on a rock, clutching a laurel branch in one hand—a symbol of victory—and a spear in the other, suggesting defense. A distant ship on a stylized sea and a draped cloth behind her reinforce themes of commerce and providence.
Technique & Style
The work employs fine line engraving, allowing intricate detailing of the figure’s drapery, the surrounding ornamental border, and the miniature maritime scene. The use of laid paper provides a subtle texture that interacts with the dense black ink, typical of early‑19th‑century American printmaking.
History & Provenance
Created in 1804, the print reflects the period’s interest in allegorical emblems to convey political concepts. While specific ownership records are scarce, the piece has been cited in early American art surveys as an example of patriotic iconography produced by Harris, a relatively obscure engraver active in the early Republic.
Artist & collection
