Tom Lydon (American, B. 1944) "Progress of Civilization Statue" Signed upper right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 25c/4c Make-up Rate stamps issued April 6, 1991. Throughout his noteworthy career sculptor Thomas Crawford created many brilliant works of art. Thankfully, many of these important pieces can be enjoyed by enthusiasts today, nearly a century and a half after his death. Visitors in Washington, D.C. revel in his artwork at the U.S. Capitol Building. Crawford created several works for the seat of the nation's government including the Doors to the House and Senate, the massive Statue of Freedom, Statues of Justice and History, and a sculpture titled "Progress of Civilization." The artwork on this Maximum Card is based upon the latter creation. The central theme is America with her Eagle at her side and the sun at her back. The figures of the sculpture were modeled in Crawford's adopted city of Rome in 1854 and carved from marble quarried in Massachusetts. In 1863 the great sculpture was erected on the east front of the Senate Pediment of the Capitol, ironically at a time when America was in the depths of the Civil War and it seemed as if civilization had made little progress. Yet the work has dazzled many through the decades and is no less impressive today. Crawford made other contributions to the world; his son was novelist Francis Marion Crawford, author of the classic Mr. Isaacs (1882). Image Size: 13.75 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 20 x 15.25 in. Unframed. (B12981) See More