Iconic “Spirit of ‘76” Painting In Rare Offering To The Public at Cowan’s

Sept. 26, 2007

CINCINNATI—Archibald Willard’s “Spirit of ‘76,” perhaps the most- famous image of the Revolutionary War, will be sold Oct. 13 at Cowan’s. Only nine other Willard originals of the “Spirit of ‘76” are known to exist. Seven hang in American museums and historical societies; two are privately owned. Internet bidding, as well as catalog preview, is available at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

Originally known as “Yankee Doodle,” the painting was the most-popular exhibit in its debut at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, evoking feelings of patriotism and heroism. Shortly after, the work was displayed on a cross-country traveling exhibit that attracted massive crowds along the way. It was once believed that more reproductions of this image than any other single painting could be found hanging in U.S. homes.

This rare painting is known to be the “Willard Battery Co.” version, a gift from the artist to his nephew T.A. Willard, the notable American inventor. T.A. Willard is credited for inventing the first commercially successful electric storage battery used in automobiles. One very similar version recently sold at a November 2006 Christie’s auction for $1.47 million.

To view the fully-illustrated auction catalog, as well as place absentee of live online bids, please visit www.LiveAuctioneers.com.