Miniature Lady Liberty, signed Abijah Canfield (1769-1830)

Hand painted with gold frame, signed, titled and dated "Lady Liberty," Abijah Canfield, April 1797. Allegorical Painting, Depicting a female figure dressed in a classical Greek or Roman costume, representing the personification of the concept of liberty giving sustenance to the eagle, symbol of the new American republic. To reinforce this message, a "cap of liberty" also deriving its message from ancient Rome, rests atop a flagpole flying the stars and stripes.