Dennis Lyall (American, B. 1946) "19th C. Folk Art Woodcarving" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Canvas. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 37c Woodcarving stamp issued April 3, 2003. This art features a meticulously hand-painted woodcarving from the 19th century. It depicts a woman radiating both unflagging strength and stalwart determination as she proudly holds aloft a sword in addition to an American flag with 24 stars. Her festive layers of red, white and blue vividly evoke the spirit of the Star Spangled Banner. Female personifications of the United States such as this hand-carved, sword-wielding wooden maiden are known by a variety of names, including "Liberty" and "Columbia," and have been popular with folk artists since the nation's inception, particularly since the adoption of the Stars and Stripes in 1777. That year, on June 14, the Continental Congress adopted a resolution establishing the official flag of the United States as consisting of 13 stripes, alternating between red and white, and a union of 13 white stars in a blue canton. Although the stars were popularly arranged in a circle design, their layout was actually left undefined for many years, leading to several known patterns. The Continental Congress left no record of why it selected red, white and blue as the flag's colors. However, in 1782 it incorporated the same colors into the Great Seal of the United States and provided specific meanings for the use of each: white to signify unity and innocence; red for hardiness and valor; and blue for vigilance, perseverance and justice. Image Size: 12 x 14 in. Overall Size: 15.5 x 18 in. Unframed. (B17109)