Event handkerchief 1819

This 1819 “Event Handkerchief” by C.G. (probably Colin Gillespie) depicts a scene of American patriotism. The artwork, currently in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features a central image of George Washington, standing on a pedestal with a cityscape behind him. The design incorporates classical motifs like obelisks and columns, emphasizing the significance of the event. The "event handkerchief" format, popular in the early 19th century, was a medium for commemorating notable events. This handkerchief likely commemorated the 43rd anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, which was declared on July 4, 1776.