Mel Crawford (Canadian, B. 1925) "Great Seal of New York" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media on Cold Press Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood Great Seal of the State of New York Commemorative Cover issued July 26, 1984. The sun rose in splendor from behind the lush green mountains of the state of New York. Before her penetrating rays lay the peaceful waters of the Hudson River -- masted ships honoring the proud sea trade that helped her people prosper. In 1777, the design showed promise of an exciting new world and included a crest with the globe and an eagle above. As the eleventh state of the original thirteen, New York became the first to use the eagle on her state seal. The same design with crest and shield -- minus the words, the "Great Seal of the State of New York" -- was also chosen to serve as coat-of-arms. On either side of the lovely shield stand two maidens. Liberty, to the left, honors freedom and independence from the oppression of monarchy, while Justice, on the right, seeks compromise between the scales of mercy and the sword. The state motto, "Excelsior" means "Ever Upward," reflecting the tone of a proud and hopeful people in times of upheaval. The seal has undergone minor changes five times since it was adopted, the last one being implemented in 1882. Image Size: 12 x 12 in. Overall Size: 15 x 15 in. Unframed. (B08925)