Statue of Liberty at center, ships in harbor. Landmarks identified in margin below image.
During the 19th century, grand scale public monuments were installed throughout the cities of the United States. The tallest structure in New York City when it was dedicated on October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was created by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi (French, 1834-1904) and given to the American people by the citizens of France in recognition and celebration of the centennial of the United States. France, an ally during the American Revolution, admired America for its success in establishing a democratic government, abolishing slavery and for the country’s continued pursuit of liberty. Bartholdi, who actively sought the commission for the project, wrote that he found the perfect location for the sculpture even before he landed on American soil. Writing of his sailing into New York Harbor, he stated: The picture that is presented to the view when one arrives in New York is marvelous, when, after some days of voyaging, in the pearly radiance of a beautiful morning is revealed the magnificent spectacle of those immense cities [Brooklyn and Manhattan], of those rivers extending as far as the eye can reach, festooned with masts and flags; when one awakes, so to speak, in the midst of that interior sea covered vessels…it is thrilling. It is, indeed, the New World, which appears in its majestic expanse, with the ardor of its glowing life. Currier & Ives issued 12 editions of the print, including early versions of sketches of the sculpture, various descriptions of the statue and differing views of New York Harbor.
