Shannon Stirnweis (American, B. 1931) "Frederic Bartholdi/Statue of Liberty" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 22c Frederic A. Bartholdi/Statue Of Liberty stamp issued July 18, 1985. Standing proud and silent over New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty is a stirring symbol of international friendship. Americans owe its design and construction to the French sculptor F. Auguste Bartholdi. Originally planned to be given to the United States by the people of France in 1876 -- the date marking one hundred years of American independence -- Lady Liberty was not completed and presented to the United States until 1885. The spirit of the Statue had originated in 1865 when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Greatly affected by the tragedy, the French people commissioned Bartholdi to erect a monument symbolizing the living friendship between France and America. Entitled Liberty Enlightening the World, the Statue holds a plaque inscribed: July IV, MDCCLXXVI, and at the base of the Statue are the broken shackles of oppression. From her post on New York Harbor's Bedloe's Island, the Statue has welcomed thousands of immigrants yearning to breathe free. Image Size: 15.75 x 21.75 in. Overall Size: 17.75 x 23.75 in. Unframed. (B08769)