Lyle Tayson: Blacksmith/Craftsmen of America

Artist: Lyle Tayson
1924 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1977
Image Size: 20.5 by 26.5 inches
Overall Size: 24 by 30.25 inches
Medium: Oil on Canvas

Like other American civilians with valuable skills, the Blacksmith made important contributions in support of troops in the field during the Revolution. America's War for Independence was fought with handmade tools and weapons. Chances are, if it was made from iron, the Blacksmith made it. In the commemorative stamp, the Blacksmith is forging the socket for the handle of a shovel. In the artwork he is working a tomahawk -- a small ax used for chopping wood for fires or building barricades; it was also a weapon. He also supplied troops with iron work for cannon, carriages, horseshoes, chains, spontoons, pikes, and literally hundreds of other items. Before the Revolution, the Blacksmith forged wherever iron work was necessary to any settlement. He made everyday things such as nails and was called upon to repair iron tools of all sorts. If a Blacksmith was inclined to produce something decorative, he might try his hand at a scroll hinge, modeling it after some European design he admired. The Blacksmith was above all a versatile fellow. In a capital such as Williamsburg, Virginia, he might have to repair surgical instruments. With fire and anvil the Blacksmith forged the implements of peace and war and he looked forward to forging farm implements in abundance. As with the other civilian craftsmen, freedom was worth any sacrifice.

This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the U.S. 13¢ Blacksmith stamp issue of July 4, 1977.

Artwork Copyright © 1977 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.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB05137

US$ Price: $1,000.00

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