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SCMS2008.3, Declaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence
SCMS2008.3, Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence

Date1819
Primary Author
Second Author 1772 - 1860
Artist
Engraver 1794 - 1869
Artist
Engraver 1795 - 1819
OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
MediumInk on paper.
DimensionsOverall: 89 x 61cm (35 1/16 x 24in.)
Credit LineSpecial Collections, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Object numberSCMS2008.3
DescriptionPublished in 1819 by John Binns, this engraved version of the Declaration of Independence frames the text within a border formed by the state seals of the original thirteen states, and medallion portraits of Washington, Jefferson, and Hancock. Military trophies, and cornucopias decorate the area around Washington’s portrait, while cotton bolls, tobacco leaves, and indigo balance the base. Above all, is an eagle with shield, arrows, olive branch and a streamer reading E. Pluribus Unum. Though Binns was responsible for the overall design of the work, the execution was accomplished by others. The ornamental part was drawn by George Bridport and engraved by George Murray. The portraits were drawn by Thomas Sully after works by Stuart, Otis and Copley, and engraved by James Barton Longacre. Charles H. Parker designed and engraved the writing. The whole was printed by James Porter.

John Binns, a Philadelphia newspaper editor and publisher, by way of Ireland, was the first to market the Declaration as a work of art. His advertisements for his production, beginning in 1816, emphasized not just the artwork, but the accuracy of the text and the faithful reproduction of the signatures. Due to production delays, it was not ready for sale until November 1819. In the meantime, several competitors took advantage of the publicity Binns had generated to offer prints of their own. These versions were cheaper and saturated the market making it difficult for Binns to sell his copies which were priced at ten dollars plain and thirteen dollars colored.

Despite John Quincy Adams’s certification that the signatures are “Exact Imitations”, some of the signatures needed to be altered because of the narrowing of the design at the base.
Inscription(s)Below the design is the following endorsement: "Department of State, 19th. April 1819. I certify, that this is a Correct copy of the original Declaration of Independence, deposited at this Department; and that I have compared all the signatures with those of the original, and have found them Exact Imitations. John Quincy Adams."ProvenanceBefore 2008 Murray Hudson Antiquarian Books; 2008-present, purchased by the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation