"Betsy Ross Sewing the First American Flag" Lot no. 2497
By Dean Cornwell (American- 1892-1960)
1958
43.00" x 38.00"
Oil on Canvas
Signed Lower Right
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Dean Cornwell's large scale oil painting, commissioned by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, presents a domestic scene of Betsy Ross crafting the first American flag surrounded by her family. This depiction of a pivotal moment in American history adorned Goodyear's 1958 calendar and other promotional materials. The vibrant painting exemplifies Cornwell’s exceptional ability to evoke the spirit of American patriotism and moments of national pride.
Betsy Ross, born Elizabeth Griscom in 1752, ran a successful upholstery business in Philadelphia, actively contributing to the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War through the production of uniforms, tents, and flags. Following the death of her first husband, John Ross, it is said that in the summer of 1776, George Washington and two members of the Continental Congress visited her upholstery shop. They presented a sketch of a flag design featuring thirteen stripes and thirteen six-pointed stars. Ross proposed the change to five-pointed stars for ease of production, demonstrating her technique with a single cut of her scissors. The design was amended, and Ross purportedly made the first American flag shortly after that meeting.
Explore related art collections: Historical / Advertisements / Patriotic/Political / Calendar Art / Women as Subjects / Family / Newly Researched / $50,000-$100,000 / 1950s / Work / Labor
See all original artwork by Dean Cornwell
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Dean Cornwell was a brilliant left-handed painter who dominated the illustration field for many years. As a student of Harvey Dunn, he inherited much of the teachings of Howard Pyle and later studied under Frank Brangwyn, the British muralist. To these influences Cornwell added his own monumental style, both intricate and bold.
Cornwell was an untiring worker who made a great many preliminary studies and trial compositions before attempting a final painting in oils. These drawings have great interest by themselves for the beauty of their draftsmanship.
Prolific and in great demand, he illustrated for a wide variety of magazines and advertisers, but found time as well to paint many important murals. Notable among them were those for the Los Angeles Public Library. The General Motors mural at the 1939 Worlds Fair in New York. The Tennessee State Office Building, the Eastern Airlines building in Rockefeller Center, and the Raleigh Room at the Hotel Warwick in New York City.
Dean was president of the Society of Illustrators from 1922-1926 and was elected to its Hall of Fame in 1959. He taught illustration at the Art Students League in New York, and by example created a "Cornwell School."