The First Prayer in Congress, steel engraving published in the USA in 1848, printed from a hand carved steel plate and hand colored (painted) as well. The image depicts the first meeting of the representatives of the American Colonies on September 7, 1774, in Carpenters Hall, Philadelphia, on the third day of the First Continental Congress. The meeting grew out of a desire for Unity throughout the colonies, as Americans perceived the unjust treatment and danger coming from the King of England. Considered by some to be a highly romanticized depiction of what took place that day, first hand accounts beg to differ. The prayers were so heartfelt that even Quakers shed tears, as well as George Washington and others in attendance. However, the deliberations were not always harmonious. On day 1, September 5th 1774, greetings were made and leaders chosen. They were bound to an oath of secrecy. On day 2, September 6th, there was a disagreement on whether meetings should be opened with a prayer due to the congregations diverse religious affiliations. Sam Adams largely helped to allay the situation, and they all agreed to have a local Clergyman come the next morning. Soon news came - which later proved false - that war had begun with a bombardment in Boston. Alarm prevailed in the city, rising much doubt in the minds of the delegates. Then, on the morning of September 7th, there were new impulses to call for solidarity. Prayers were spoken and the delegates were filled with an exaultation of purpose and a determination to carry through the difficult tasks that lay be for them. What makes this particular hand-colored and numbered print so rare and exceptional is the signature on the back by the color artist: M.B. Taylor (Miss Bettie Taylor, Mary Betty Taylor), President Taylors daughter and official White House Hostess. Printed and colored in 1848, the engraving is numbered 365/15 on the back of the print, #4 on the back board wood panels, meaning it is the 15th ever to be made (printed), the 4th ever colored, and we believe is the only one ever given to California as a gift of goodwill upon its becoming a state. It was made the year Zachory Taylor was elected 12th president of the United States, during the time of the California Gold Rush, which is reflected in its gold leaf frame. It was given to the state of California and as such rightly belongs to it now. It is a National Treasure whose existance should finally be acknowledged. -Thomas Fried
Posted on: Thu, 26 Jun 2014 18:15:17 +0000
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