This drawing depicts an allegorical figure representing America. The central figure is seated, holding a sword and an olive branch. The figure wears a feathered headdress and robe. An eagle is positioned to the left. Below the figure are the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." A cornucopia filled with fruits is on the ground. Rays of light spread out in the background. The drawing has a soft, ethereal quality with delicate shading and texture.
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Design for an Emblem of the United States of America

Christian Schussele (American, 1824 - 1879)

c. 1860

Medium
brush and black ink with wash over graphite on paperboard
Classification
Drawing
Dimensions
image (irregular): 13.65 × 22.23 cm (5 3/8 × 8 3/4 in.) ; sheet: 26.67 × 40.01 cm (10 1/2 × 15 3/4 in.)
Culture
American
Museum
National Gallery of Art, CG-W
Credit line
Corcoran Collection (Museum Purchase, Membership Association Fund, 1951)
Rights
Public domain (NGA Open Access, CC0), as the museum states it.
Who can see it
Little Ones profiles and older: it shows gentle subjects for the very young. How works are placed

View at the National Gallery of Art