Dennis Lyall (American, B. 1946) "Pierre L'Enfant Flag" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Canvas board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 33c Pierre L'Enfant Flag Classic Collection Series stamp issued June 14, 2000. French-born American architect and engineer Pierre-Charles L'Enfant was born on August 2, 1754, in Paris. He studied art under his father at the Royal Academy in Paris and later received training in engineering. In 1776, he enlisted as a volunteer in the American Revolutionary Army. In 1783, Congress appointed L'Enfant major of engineers. After the war, L'Enfant designed the medal and diploma of the Society of the Cincinnati, an association of former Revolutionary officers. When he returned to Paris, he was instrumental in organizing the French branch of the society. In 1784, L'Enfant again came to America, settling in New York City, where he was commissioned to redesign the old city hall (Federal Hall) for the U.S. Congress. When Congress decided to build a federal city on the Potomac river, President Washington commissioned L'Enfant to draw up the plans. The Pierre L'Enfant flag was sketched on a proposed membership diploma for the Society of the Cincinnati. This 1783 flag is a variation of the stars-and-stripes design that was popular at the time. The Pierre L'Enfant flag features 13 alternating red and white stripes, with 13 stars arranged in a circle on a blue field in the canton. Image Size: 13.5 x 11.5 in. Overall Size: 19.5 x 15 in. Unframed. (B16821) See More