Paul and Chris Calle: 1970s - Bicentennial

Artist: Paul and Chris Calle

Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1999
Image Size: 11.75 by 17.75 inches
Overall Size: 16 by 21.75 inches
Medium: Mixed Media on Cold Press Illustration Board

On July 4, 1976, America celebrated its birthday -- the 200th Anniversary of the historic day that John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence, officially declaring America's freedom to the entire world. Considered by many the greatest political document ever created, most of the Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson, who said he "turned to neither book nor pamphlet" for reference. The Declaration was read formally to Congress for the first time on July 3. With each clause, challenges arose from many of the 50 delegates, who sought to "improve" the document. While Jefferson's eloquent prose was being nitpicked, he remained silent, choosing not to defend his writing at that time, although afterward he referred to the changes Congress made as ,"mutilations." The haggling continued through July 3 and well into the evening of July 4. When Congress was finished, they had made 68 changes and deleted 480 words. Finally, on the night of July 4, 1776, 12 of the 13 Colonies voted to accept the revised version of the Declaration of Independence. New York abstained. As president of the Continental of Congress, John Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. The majority didn't sign the document until August 2, 1776.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the U.S. Celebrate the Century Series 33¢ Bicentennial stamp issued November 18, 1999.

Artwork Copyright © 1999 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

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