The American Declaration of Independence illustrated in 1861. reproduction

“The American Declaration of Independence Illustrated” (1861) – Lithograph reproduction by Dominique C. Fabronius

The American Declaration of Independence Illustrated is a striking 1861 lithograph that blends patriotic imagery with a bold call for the abolition of slavery. Created by artist Dominique C. Fabronius, designed by R. Thayer, and lithographed by L. Prang & Co. in Boston, the piece reflects the political and moral urgency of the Civil War era.

At the center of the composition, a powerful American eagle soars with wings outstretched. In one talon, it holds olive branches—symbolizing peace—and in the other, oak branches, representing strength. Above its head radiates a burst of light, accompanied by a verse that echoes the Declaration’s egalitarian ideals:

“My rays, where'er on earth they strike,
Fall on the black and white alike;
That government alone is free,
Which blesses all alike like me.”

Suspended beneath the eagle is an aerial carriage, reminiscent of a hot-air balloon basket, carrying two symbolic figures:

• A freed Black man, with broken shackles falling from his wrists, representing liberation from slavery.

• A white abolitionist, proclaiming, “Break every yoke; let the oppressed go free.”

Flanking the eagle are two American flags bearing inscriptions central to the abolitionist message:

• “All Men Are Created Equal”

• “Stand by the Declaration”

Beneath this airborne scene, a diverse crowd of onlookers gathers, including:

• A Union soldier

• A newsboy selling the Boston Herald

• A free Black man

• Various civilians of differing ages and backgrounds

The lithograph is further enriched by abolitionist verses flanking the image:

Left side:

“Hark! a voice from heaven is calling!
Hear it sounding through the skies!
Chains from human limbs are falling!
God has heard the Captives’ cries!
With the ‘Stars and Stripes’ above us,
All alike shall soon be free,
When as brothers white men love us,
Shall an end of trouble be.”

Right side:

“A man is a man howe’er dark his skin,
A heart that is human is beating within,
God regards not his color—and neither should we,
Then ‘unchain’ the Negro—and let him go free.”

This lithograph stands as both a patriotic celebration of American ideals and a searing indictment of slavery, using art as a medium for moral persuasion and political action.