The United States is the country of personal growth and new opportunity. What symbol represents these inalienable rights better than the world-famous Statue of Liberty? An enduring symbol of freedom which has welcomed immigrants to the US for over 100 years, the Statue of Liberty is arguably the most recognizable statue in the world. Built on Ellis Island in the harbor of New York City, the Statue of Liberty gets 500,000 visitors yearly. Are you interested in learning more about the Statue of Liberty? Read below for Statue of Liberty wall art facts.
Representation
Many works of art are inspired by culture, religion and history. The Statue of Liberty is no different in this regard! Did you know that the statue was constructed to resemble a Roman goddess? The statue’s name is derived from a Roman deity named “Libertas,” who in mythology was the living embodiment of freedom. Libertas is noted for being so popular during Julius Caesar’s reign that she was depicted on Roman coinage during the time. The pose and outfit the Statue of Liberty utilizes also references classical Roman techniques for statue construction. Read below for more Statue of Liberty wall art facts.
Crown
Aside from the torch, one of the most distinct features of the statue is its magnificent crown. Did you know that the crown’s spikes are representative symbols? The spikes are meant to represent the oceans and continents around the world; each spike symbolizes the seven oceans and seven continents. You’re probably wondering why. The point of these symbols is to emphasize the Statue’s meaning; the statue is an inclusive symbol that is meant to welcome visitors and immigrants seeking respite or solace in America. Read below for more Statue of Liberty wall art facts.
France
Although the Statue of Liberty is an iconic American symbol, it is not of American origin in terms of ideation! Did you know that Americans weren’t involved in the conception of the Statue of Liberty? In 1865, as the American Civil War was ending, a French historian named Edouard de Laboulaye proposed the idea of a French-made symbol for the United State’s successful democracy. The original name for the statues was “Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World,” and it began construction in 1875, a full ten years after being initially proposed. Americans built the base that the statue stands on, while the French built the statue itself. Did you know that a key member of the construction team of the Statue of Liberty was Gustave Eiffel, the designer of the Eiffel Tower? Read below for more Statue of Liberty Wall art facts.
Funds
Due to the Statue of Liberty being concepted by the French, the U.S. Government did not sponsor its construction. In other words, America did not actually pay to have the statue built. Instead, the statue was funded by collecting funds from American and French citizens through community fundraising efforts. This technically makes the Statue of Liberty the first major crowd-funding campaign! Did you know that initially, most of the funds were collected from the French? Once those funds were collected and the statue’s construction was made viable, the United States still refused to give France the access to the land necessary to build it. It wasn’t until Joseph Pulitzer stepped in to convince the government by organizing a crowdfunding campaign for the pedestal the statue stands on. Pulitzer collected funds from 120,000 people. Read below for more Statue of Liberty wall art facts.
Color
One of the most defining aspects of the Statue of Liberty is its striking green color. Did you know that the statue was not always the color green? The Statue of Liberty was constructed using copper and iron; this originally gave the statue a bronze-hue. When the statue initially arrived in America, the statue sparkled with a delightful gold hue when sunlight reflected off of it. Over time, the statue’s copper started to oxidize from contact with the air and ocean water. In other words, the statue’s brown hue started to fade, and eventually became a lighter color until it finally became green. Did you know that there was a time during the statue’s oxidation process where it was half green and half brown? Did you enjoy these Statue of Liberty wall art facts?
Conclusion
Sitting gracefully on the New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty endures as #1 tourist attraction for many people visiting America. Thousands of people flock to it every year to gape in awe at its majesty. That said, the Statue of Liberty really is more than just a statue! A beacon of hope in a world that may sometimes be very cruel, the statue represents the good aspects of American life and culture. We hope you enjoyed reading these Statue of Liberty wall art facts!