Tom Lydon (American, B. 1944) "America and Eagle" 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 of Issue Postal Card for the U.S. 19c Official Mail issue of May 24, 1991. Named for its striking white-feathered head, the Bald Eagle is the proud symbol of the United States, selected as the national bird in 1782 by the Continental Congress. In the Nation's capital of Washington, D.C., the proud profile of the Bald Eagle is captured in sculpture, paintings, official seals and more. One of the most striking examples is the sculpture on the East Central Pediment of the Capitol, upon which this artwork is based. Originally carved in sandstone by Luigi Persico at the urging of U.S. President John Quincy Adams, the central figures of the beautiful sculpture are America and the Bald Eagle. America stands next to a pedestal inscribed "July 4, 1776," while she holds a shield with the letters "USA." To America's left is the Bald Eagle, our chosen symbol of national pride. In 1959, Bruno Mankowski reproduced the originals, which had shown signs of age, in beautiful Georgia marble, brilliantly displaying America and her proud symbol of pride and freedom, the Bald Eagle. Image Size: 13.5 x 12 in. Overall Size: 20 x 15 in. Unframed. (B12945) See More