John A. Woodside, a Philadelphia sign painter, made his living creating advertisements for hotels, taverns, and city fire engines. He specialized in patriotic paintings and banners carried in parades. At some point in his long career from 1815 to 1850, he created this scene of a youthful sailor receiving a laurel wreath, the ancient Greek symbol of victory, from a breezy Miss Liberty (identified by the liberty cap on a stick). Picture Research Consultants & Archives.

READING THE IMAGE What might the chain at the sailor’s feet indicate? What do you think the slogan on the banner means? What do you see in the picture that would help date it? (Hint: Examine the flag. And for the truly curious, consider the history of men’s facial hair styles.)

CONNECTIONS How and why does the painting reference the War of 1812? Regardless of the painting’s date, what message do you think Woodside is trying to convey here?