Main Pages Front Page Overview Seal FAQs Design Process  1st Committee  2nd Committee  3rd Committee  Final Design  Description  Explanation Latin Mottoes  E Pluribus Unum  Annuit Coeptis  Novus Ordo Seclorum Symbols (front)  Bald Eagle  Shield  Olive Branch  Arrows  Stars  Rays of Light  Cloud Symbols (back)  Pyramid  Eye  MDCCLXXVI Great Seals  Official Dies  First Engravings  First Painting  1792 Medal  Indian Medals  1882 Medal  One-Dollar Bill Myths  Eagle Side  Pyramid Side Themes  Unity  Peace    The Dove    Virgil's Aeneid    Political Drawings 1    Political Drawings 2    Temple of Peace    Diplomatic Medal    Peace Medals    Peace on Moon  Liberty  Thirteen Related  Wild Turkey  President's Seal  Sightings  Resources

Symbols of Peace in Political Drawings After the Revolution America holds an olive branch in the above etching, "America Triumphant and Britannia in Distress," published in 1782. Its "Explanation" begins: "America sitting on that quarter of the globe with the Flag of the United States displayed over her head; holding in one hand the Olive branch; inviting the ships of all nations to partake of her commerce; and in the other hand supporting the Cap of Liberty." At the top is "Fame proclaiming the joyous news to all the world," and on the left is "Britannia weeping at the loss of the trade of America." Behind her is an "evil genius" (who appears to be blowing a farmer on her). The below drawing was the frontispiece of The Columbian Magazine, or Monthly Miscellany published in America in 1789, seven years after the Great Seal was created. America, a young woman, is enjoying the benefits of education. By her side is her shield with the Great Seal on it. Her staff and liberty cap lean against a tree behind her. She sits in the shade of a palm tree with books, a globe, a cornucopia, and bow and arrows. A god holding a lyre points to the statue of Fame atop a temple and says: "America! with Peace and Freedom blest, Pant for true Fame, and scorn inglorious rest: Science invites; urg'd by the Voice divine, Exert thy self, 'till every Art be thine." Below is C. W. Peale's illustration (detail) for the title page for the January 1790 The Universal Asylum and Columbian Magazine. With her shield bearing the Great Seal at her side, America is surrounded by symbols the prosperity of peace, culture and trade. Visit the "Temple of Liberty Justice and Peace." Drawings published In England before the Revolution depict America in a different light.

Historical content is based on the official history of the Great Seal.
GreatSeal.com is not affiliated with the U.S. Government.
Author and webwright: John D. MacArthur