Dennis Lyall (American, B. 1946) "Brandywine Flag" Signed lower right. Original Acrylic painting on Canvas. 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 Brandywine Flag Classic Collection Series stamp issued June 14, 2000. In 1777, the British set out to capture Philadelphia. Washington believed that his best defense against the advancing British army, led by General Sir William Howe, was at Brandywine Creek, located about 25 miles southwest of the city. The American general deployed his troops at vital crossings along the creek, choosing high ground in the area of Chadd's Ford as a primary defensive position. On September 11, 1777, Howe pretended to launch an attack at Chadd's Ford, but the majority of his army crossed the Brandywine at a point farther north than Washington expected, surprising the Americans with an attack on their right flank. Howe's strategy was effective and Washington ordered his army to take the high ground around Birmingham Friends Meeting House as a last defense. Although the Americans were forced to retreat, the Continental Army remained intact. The Brandywine flag, reportedly flown during this historic battle, features a red field with a smaller flag design making up the canton. The flag-within-a-flag bears 13 red and white stripes, while the canton is a white field with a cluster of 13 red stars. This unique banner was one of the first American flags featuring a stars-and-stripes design. Image Size: 13 x 18 in. Overall Size: 15 x 19.5 in. Unframed. (B16769) See More