United States 1893

Walter Crane created this allegorical illustration titled 'United States' featuring Columbia donning a new costume, referencing the American Civil War. Dominant is the figure of Columbia, draped in the stars and stripes, symbolizing the nation. The mirror she holds may signify self-reflection. Columbia evokes classical depictions of goddesses, a motif extending back to antiquity. We might recall the Roman goddess Roma, an embodiment of the Roman state, often depicted in military attire. The Civil War divided the nation, pitting brother against brother. The poem speaks to the turmoil and the resolution brought by Lincoln, further emphasizing the cost of division and the promise of unity. The symbolic act of putting on a "new costume" suggests a desire to emerge from the conflict transformed, with a renewed sense of national identity. This resonates with recurring themes of rebirth and renewal found in art throughout the ages, reflecting a primal human desire to transcend suffering and embrace change. Columbia's transformation serves as a potent reminder of how conflict and resolution continue to reshape our collective identity.