Any decoration on your walls should reflect part of your personality. For example, if you are a proud native of New York or a happy new resident, then you could get a large Statue of Liberty print as a testament to your love of the place. Maybe you like the frenetic pace of life, the no-nonsense attitude of the people, the limitless possibilities it offers, the turbulent history, or the freedom that you enjoy. Whatever your reasons might be, the striking figure of Lady Liberty can look over you and remind you of the things you cherish. Let’s take a look at some of the interesting tidbits behind the statue:
The French Origin
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most well-known sculptures in the US yet it wasn’t even made in America. Only the pedestal was built locally whereas the sculpture itself was designed and made in France. The joint project was supposed to symbolize the shared ideals of the two countries, particularly their love of freedom. The head and the torch arm were the first to be completed. The entire statue was built in sections with each being placed in crates before sailing across the ocean. Once these pieces reached New York, they were assembled on the site. The city celebrated with a parade.
The Goddess Libertas
The figure is a depiction of the Roman goddess called Libertas. She is said to be the liberty personified with statues on the ancient Roman Forum and temples erected in her honor. Her form appeared on various Roman coins as well. Slaves who were freed celebrated her. She is often invoked by those who deposed tyrannical rulers such as Nero and Julius Caesar. The French had Libertas depicted in their Great Seal in the mid-1800s. This became one of the inspirations for the design of the Statue of Liberty that we now see in New York.
The Statue in Pop Culture
Countless shows are situated in New York and they often show the statue to establish the location of the scene. Lady Liberty has also appeared in countless movies including the original Planet of the Apes, Cloverfield, and Independence Day. These sci-fi films would usually show apocalyptic scenarios with the statue being damaged in different ways to highlight the destruction of the city.
However, the real Statue of Liberty print remains majestic on its pedestal. Several rounds of restoration has helped it maintain its grandeur. The towering symbol of freedom has withstood harsh weather and other natural calamities but remain intact after more than century.
