Tom Lydon (American, B. 1944) "Statue of Freedom" Signed lower 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 Cover for the U.S. 29c Official Mail stamp issued January 22, 1991. High atop the dome of the Capitol she stands, robes flowing, looking staunchly to the east. Her head is crowned with a helmet of feathers, stars and an eagle's head. Her left hand holds a wreath and shield and her right rests gently upon a sheathed sword. She is Freedom, a seven and a half ton statue completed in 1858 by Thomas Crawford, cast and hoisted atop the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., in 1860. Crawford, a leading American sculptor of the time, was well known for several of his works, but his status was firmly entrenched with the completion of Freedom. A Neoclassical sculptor, Crawford studied first in New York City in 1835 as a stone-cutter. His talent blossomed and took him to Rome, Italy, where he was tutored by the Dutch sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. The Eternal City became Crawford's home and he remained there for most of his life. In the United States Capitol Building, Crawford created many works of art, including the doors to the House and the Senate, statutes of Justice and History, and the impressive sculpture of the Progress of Civilization. But it is Freedom herself that is most awe-inspiring, for she encapsulates the very essence of America. This attractive artwork is based upon Thomas Crawford's monumental creation. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 20 x 14.75 in. Unframed. (B12887) See More