John Swatsley (American, B. 1937) "The Great Seal of the United States" Signed lower center. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original which appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. Great Seal Postal Stationery Envelope issued June 15, 1982. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress appointed "Dr. Franklin, Mr. J. Adams and Mr. Jefferson, to form a committee, to bring in a device for a seal for the United States of America." It took six years and two more committees before Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Congress and the man featured on this artwork, presented the final design of the Great Seal of the United States to Congress. America's Great Seal features the American bald eagle with spread wings. The olive branch and the arrows held in the eagle's talons reflect both the nation's commitment to peace and its willingness to fight if necessary. The Latin inscription E Pluribus Unum -- "From many, One" -- is a reminder that the nation is a Union of many states and peoples. Finally, the constellation of stars denotes a new State taking its place and rank among other sovereign powers. On the reverse side of the Great Seal, the pyramid signifies strength and duration. The eye over it and the motto, Annuit Coeptis (He [God] has favored our undertakings), allude to the many interventions of Providence in favor of the American cause. The date featured denotes the year the Declaration of Independence was adopted. The words below, Novus Ordo Seclorum (A new order of the ages), signify the beginning of the new American era in 1776. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 21 x 18 in. Unframed. (B07604)