Design for an Emblem of the United States of America

c. 1860

Christian Schussele

Associated Names
Christian Schussele

Artist, American, 1824 - 1879

This drawing depicts an allegorical figure representing America. The central figure is seated, holding a sword and an olive branch. The figure wears a feathered headdress and robe. An eagle is positioned to the left. Below the figure are the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." A cornucopia filled with fruits is on the ground. Rays of light spread out in the background. The drawing has a soft, ethereal quality with delicate shading and texture.

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Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Victor Spark, New York); Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1951; acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1981

  • Early America on Paper: Prints and Drawings, 1750-1850, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1981

Bibliography

1965

  • Michel, Bernard E. "Christian Schussele: Portrayer of America." Moravian Historical Society Transactions 20 (1965): pp. 249-267.

1983

  • Simmons, Linda Crocker and with the assistance of Adrianne J. Humphrey, et al. American Drawings, Watercolors, Pastels, and Collages in the Collection of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Washington, DC: Corcoran Gallery of Art, 1983: p. 41, no. 287.

Inscriptions

lower left in black ink: C.S.; lower right in black wash: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; lower right edge in graphite: C. Schussele; lower right verso in graphite by unknown hand: 6/6vo-2

Wikidata ID

Q64539930

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