Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Antique Postcard: for the 4th of July

Postcards say so much more to us than the time of year in which they were sent. They speak of the times in which they were made, the science of the times contributing to inks, printing, paper quality. They also speak of human relations in their scrawled messages.
I love this one for the simple way our Lady Liberty stands, looking very human, indeed, in her Edwardian corset and Phrygian cap (which see HERE).
(I may only just be able to spell that word--just please don't ask me to say it LOL)

She's really quite a stunner, and not in the least our perfected ideal of a woman. Perhaps no one in today's society would think of her at all as exemplary or noteworthy. And her cap seems really an oddity unless we consider its origins. But most children never get to hear about ancient political freedom fights nor the Greeks nor Romans. 

This means, of course, our somewhat portly Lady "Libertas" might not be respectable, much less viewed as being Liberty herself by our modern terms. I think that's sad, don't you? I wouldn't have understood these things about her if I hadn't once read a little something about the ancient world, enough to learn there are such things as "Phrygian caps." (They reminded me a little of Snow White's dwarves' hats) This led to a little more research via Wikipedia, where we may also turn for the real story of our own national symbol, our Statue of Liberty.

She's not a national heroine by any stretch of the imagination, but I think we look upon her long robed figure and serious expression quite fondly and humbly. For we are here, aren't we? In some countries,  our many freedoms would not be taken so for granted. I hope we can recall how others may view our country come this 4th of July.

In the end, our Liberty is comprised of us all, as one People. And by the People, may this country rise to become ever stronger, ever wiser, ever better all the way around.

From all of us in our Studio, here's an early Happy Birthday salute to America!
Rose & Studio Friends


Fourth of July Postcard

Original Patina
Downloadable Version HERE



Brightened
Downloadable Version HERE



Reverse in Original Patina
Downloadable Version HERE



Reverse Brightened
Downloadable Version HERE




Scanned Imagery courtesy PPS Archives

You are free to:
use the above images in artwork for fun or profit.
You are not free to:
repackage them for sale in any way.
Please respect our gifts for the public's use.
Thank you.




6 comments:

Art From The heart said...

Wow ! This one is terrific for the big day July 4th. Thanks much for sharing with everyone.
Hugs, Amy

Plush Possum Studio said...

Amy: So glad you could drop by again today!
Just don't ask me to say "Phrygian," cuz I don't know how it sounds when said right!LOL

Ann said...

oh,you've outdone yourself with this one!! I thought I'd seen them all..but ..nope!! And this one outshine's any I've seen!! I LOVE THIS ONE!! Thanks so much Rose! Miss Piggy downloaded all!!! xo

Plush Possum Studio said...

Ann: Yay! You had a chance to swing by again! So glad you like this one!
;)

Anonymous said...

Beautifully worded post. I love history and the ancient world in general. This image is magnificent. Thank you for the use of it.

Plush Possum Studio said...

Mina: Thank you. That is very kind. When one of us finds something as different as this postcard, it has to get added into the mix. It is gratifying to know you like the sort of thing we all do.
:)

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