"Declaration of Independence" Calligraphy of George Washington with the seals of 16 states — Archival print — Available framed or unframed

Stunning reproduction of the engraving featuring the "Declaration of Independence" Calligraphy forming the image of George Washington. With the seal of the 16 states surrounding his portrait.

Made in America and available in a solid wood, Made in America frame.

Here's how this came about: A few months ago a friend in New York City told me about a unique print available at auction. After acquiring it, I entrusted it to a conservator with decades of experience in paper conservation. To my surprise, when I searched for more information on the print, I couldn't find any scans of it online at the Library of Congress or at other major digital collections.

What’s unusual about the print? Its from that period when all sorts of calligraphic images were created, but none I’ve seen like this in which the text of Declaration of Independence is written out with thick and thin lines making the portrait of George Washington, who is surrounded by the seals of 16 states. 

Created by W.H. Pratte of Davenport, Iowa, and printed by Augustus Hagelboeck, also of Davenport, Iowa in the mid-1800s.

William Henry Pratt (1822-1893), was a professor of penmanship in Davenport, Iowa, and the first curator of that city’s Academy of Natural Sciences.

Printed in ink on the upper edge on the ribbon in the eagle's mouth: "E / Pluribus / Unum."

Above the main text and image of Washington: "Declaration of Independence."

The name of each state is below the seal to which it corresponds.

Printed in ink on the ribbon at lower left: "Designed and written / by W. H. Pratt / Davenport, Iowa."

Printed in ink on the ribbon at lower right: "Lith. and print. / by A. Hageboeck Davenport, Iowa."

More on the artist and lithographer

"Hageboeck, probably a German immigrant, operated a lithographic shop with his brother in Davenport, Iowa, where they specialized in panoramic views of Midwest cities. W. H. Pratt was born in Massachusetts in 1822, but in 1857, moved with his family to Davenport, Iowa. He headed the Davenport Commercial College, where he taught penmanship, a skill he demonstrated in his execution of this work. In 1867, he helped organize the Davenport Academy of Natural Sciences, often including his own engravings in his scientific publications."

Source: Smithsonian

Art historian Deb Stein wrote this article which has additional historical background: A closer look at a rare 1865 lithograph: “The Declaration of Independence with George Washington and the Seals of 36 States."

— Lee Wright | Founder

Size: 19" x 24"

Made in America in every way.  Printed in America.  And framed in a made in America solid wood frame with UV-protecting, non-glare acrylic for glazing.

Important note on care of framed prints: Use a microfiber cloth or similar to remove dust and fingerprints. Do not use household cleaners on the frame or on the acrylic.

Shipping: $20 for framed prints.