Lady Liberty Centennial Inkstand

This Centennial inkstand, a blend of patriotic symbolism and artistic craftsmanship, was created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the United States at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition of 1876.

Lady Liberty: A Symbolic Guardian

The figure of Lady Liberty here is rendered with classical grace and allegorical depth:

• Pose & Attire: Draped in a green robe, she holds a globe in her left hand—suggesting enlightenment and global reach—and raises her right arm in a gesture of triumph.
• Stylistic Choices: Unlike the towering Statue of Liberty (whose arm and torch were famously displayed at the Exposition), this version is more intimate, echoing neoclassical ideals of wisdom and civic virtue.
• Companion Structure: Beside her stands a stylized tower or monument topped with a radiant starburst finial—possibly representing aspiration, celestial guidance, or the “shining city upon a hill” metaphor.

The Shield: “E Pluribus Unum”

Front and center, the shield bearing E Pluribus Unum (“Out of many, one”) anchors the piece in the foundational ethos of American unity. This motto was especially poignant in 1876, just a decade after the Civil War, as the country sought to reaffirm its cohesion and shared identity.

Centennial Exposition Context

Held in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, the Centennial Exposition was the first official World’s Fair in the U.S.:

• Purpose: Celebrated 100 years since the Declaration of Independence.
• Scale: Over 10 million visitors, 200+ buildings, and 37 participating nations.
• Highlights: Debuts of the telephone (Bell), the Corliss steam engine, and the Statue of Liberty’s torch-bearing arm.
• Cultural Impact: The fair showcased American industrial might, artistic achievement, and national optimism. Patriotic souvenirs like this inkstand were popular keepsakes, blending utility with commemoration.