Ed Vebell (American, 1921 - 2018) "Signing of Mayflower Compact" Signed lower right. Original Acrylic painting on Hot Press 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 Commemorative Cover for Epic Events in American History series issued in 1985. The legacy of England's Henry VIII included nearly a century of religious confusion and turmoil. While the majority of English embraced the established Anglican church by the late sixteenth century, some "Separatists" chose exile in Holland rather than a dilution of their beliefs. However, it was the opening of the New World that provided a divinely inspired solution to their problems. Thus in September 1620, one hundred one settlers plus officers and crew crowded aboard the little merchant ship, Mayflower, and headed for an unknown and untried destination. Two months later, the perilous ocean crossing behind them, they sighted the winterswept shores of Cape Cod. Arriving as they did in a wilderness, the "Saints" or Pilgrim leaders insisted that all agree on a covenant or compact of government before disembarking. The resulting Mayflower Compact , the first American "constitution," was signed by all the men who pledged to "combine ourselves together into a Civil Body Politick. And, by virtue thereof we do enact, constitute and frame such just and equal laws as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general Good of the Colony." Because Plymouth Colony never received a formal charter, the Mayflower Compact remained its only constitution until it became part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1691. More importantly, it is with the Mayflower Compact that democracy begins in America, with the coming together of the Mayflower's men to establish a government. Image Size: 19.75 x 21 in. Overall Size: 26.25 x 27.25 in. Unframed. (B05710)