Lot 475
Willard, Archibald McNeal (1836-1918). "Yankee Doodle". 24 x 18 inch chromolithograph of one of America's most famous patriotic images: "Yankee Doodle," later known as the "Spirit of '76." Based on Willard's 1875 painting and published by J.F. Ryder of Cleveland, Ohio for the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The original painting was displayed in Memorial Hall at the Exposition and chromolithographs of the painting were sold by Ryder to promote the exhibit. The success of this exhibition established Willard's fame and he was asked in later years to make replicas of the painting. This chromolithograph is from the earliest painting, in which the characters look more battle-scarred and bloodstained than in later versions. Housed in a period 30 x 24 inch wood frame, with some chipping to frame and loosening to trim.
"Yankee Doodle" (or the "Spirit of '76") is represented by characters from the American Revolution: the marching spirits of a fifer, a drummer, and a minuteman. The fifer wears a bloodstained rag around his head and blood drips down his cheek. In the background is a flag with 13 stars and stripes, and soldiers with raised bayonets follow the "spirits." Before them, a fallen soldier lifts his hat in tribute. There is some age toning in the background, and the "clouds of war" are not as dark as they were, but the image remains vivid and striking. Very Good to Fine.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
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| Realized $978 |
