VISUAL ACTIVITY

“We Owe Allegiance to No Crown” John Woodside, a Philadelphia sign painter, made his living creating advertisements for hotels and taverns, and he specialized in patriotic 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).

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?

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