Ron Sloan (American, B. 1950) "U.S. Flag Behind Capitol" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the 22c Flag Over Capitol stamp issued March 29, 1985. For more than two hundred years, the American Flag has reflected the growth and glory of the United States. It has stood as the proud symbol of the American people's hard-won freedoms, hopes, and aspirations. With its broad stripes and field of bright stars, it has recorded the expansion of the American domain from the eastern seaboard . . . to the shores of the Arctic Ocean . . . to the tropical waters of the mid-Pacific. Indeed, this one Flag has reflected the achievements and shared the sorrows of the United States of America. Although it is well understood what the Flag of the United States represents, the exact origins of this proud Banner are clouded in legend and romantic tradition. One story that caught the popular imagination concerns a Philadelphia seamstress named Betsy Ross who made flags during the Revolutionary War. Legend has it that this young widow created the first American Flag at the request of George Washington. While it is known that Betsy Ross was a flag maker, most historians discount this charming and popular tale of the first American Flag. Better evidence credits Francis Hopkinson -- a signer of the Declaration of Independence -- as the designer of the first Flag of the United States. Whatever the origins, the Star-Spangled Banner remains, even today, a cherished emblem of the American people. Image Size: 17.5 x 16.25 in. Overall Size: 25.5 x 19.75 in. Unframed. (B09455) See More