We love the design and artistry of WPA-era posters—many of which celebrate American history and its natural wonders. These posters were designed and drafted by professional artists and illustrators, who found work through the WPA during the Great Depression. At first the WPA posters were hand-drawn and colored; later, silk-screening the poster artwork to speed production. But even during the highest production years the posters were a hand-made process. (Read more about the history, below.)
The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886. Her official name is Liberty Enlightening the World. She stands 151 feet tall and rests upon a pedestal that is 154 feet high.
Frenchman Edouard de Laboulaye wanted to create something to celebrate America’s and France’s shared commitment to liberty and the recent abolition of slavery in America. The French sculptor, Frederick-Auguste Bartholdi, selected Bedloe’s Island (now called Liberty Island) as her home so that every ship entering the harbor would see Lady Liberty.
Commissioned by The Pursuit of History and created by artist, Larry Stuart. His design was inspired by the iconic posters of the national parks created by the Federal Art Project of Works Progress Administration in the 1930s that have now become collector's items.
This is the fifth in our series honoring America’s great historic sites.
Size: 11" x 14"
About the paper weight and printing process: Printed on a 10 pt. Cardstock matte using standard inks.
This design is also in a limited edition fine art print and a magnet.
About the Artist
Larry Stuart is an illustrator and lettering-artist who incorporates a sense of history and the well worn into his work. He loves the patina of rural America and enjoys wandering back roads looking for inspiration. He's been to more Civil War sites than you’d think is possible. You can see more of his work at larrystuartstudio.com
Learn more about the National Park Posters whose style inspired this original art
Sources:
https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/overview-history/
https://www.nps.gov/stli/learn/historyculture/places_creating_statue.htm