Key Takeaways
- The "We the People: America at 250" auction at Christie’s in New York will feature rare historical items, including a 1776 broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence and Rufus King’s edited draft of the U.S. Constitution.
- The auction will also include American art, such as Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington and Jamie Wyeth’s painting of John F. Kennedy accepting the 1960 Democratic presidential nomination.
- The sale will feature rare historical objects, including the only known flag recovered by U.S. forces from the 1876 Battle of Little Bighorn.
- Historians emphasize the importance of private collectors in preserving the nation’s material past and the emotional power of these historical items.
Introduction to the Auction
As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, a significant auction is taking place in New York, featuring rare items that trace the nation’s history. The event, dubbed "We the People: America at 250," will bring together foundational political texts, iconic American art, and rare historical artifacts. Among the highlights is a rare 1776 broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence produced in New Hampshire by printer Robert Luist Fowle, estimated at $3 million to $5 million. This printing is historically significant because it shows what people at the time actually saw, and it is one of the ways that everyday Americans would have encountered the Declaration of Independence.
Historical Significance of the Declaration of Independence
The initial printing of the Declaration of Independence was produced by John Dunlap on the night of July 4, 1776, with about 200 copies printed and only 26 known to survive. However, other printers quickly began producing their own versions, and this 1776 broadside printing is one of them. According to Peter Klarnet, senior specialist for books, manuscripts, and Americana at Christie’s, this printing is significant because it is the way that everyday Americans would have encountered the Declaration of Independence, whether it was tacked to a wall or read from the pulpit of their local congregation. This printing provides a unique glimpse into the past and allows us to understand how the Declaration of Independence was disseminated to the public.
The U.S. Constitution and Other Founding Documents
Another founding document up for sale is Rufus King’s edited draft of the U.S. Constitution, estimated at $3 million to $5 million. Printed just five days before the final version was issued on September 17, 1787, the document captures the nation’s founding charter as it was being finalized. This draft is significant because it shows the edits being made in real-time, and it puts the viewer directly in Independence Hall as the Constitution was being drafted. King was a delegate from Massachusetts to the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and a member of The Committee of Style, a five-member group tasked with refining the text. The auction also includes a signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, estimated at $3 million to $5 million, which was commissioned for the Great Central Fair, a Civil War-era fundraiser held in Philadelphia in June 1864.
American Art and Historical Objects
American art plays a major role in the sale, with leading pieces including Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington, thought to have inspired the face on the U.S. dollar bill, estimated at $500,000 to $1 million. Other artworks include a Jamie Wyeth painting of John F. Kennedy accepting the 1960 Democratic presidential nomination at the Los Angeles Coliseum, estimated at $200,000 to $300,000, and Grant Wood’s original pencil sketch of American Gothic drawn on the back of an envelope, estimated at $70,000 to $100,000. Beyond the founding documents, the sale features rare historical objects like the only known flag recovered by U.S. forces from the 1876 Battle of Little Bighorn, expected to sell for between $2 million and $4 million.
The Role of Private Collectors in Preserving History
Historians emphasize the importance of private collectors in preserving the nation’s material past. According to historian Harold Holzer, private collectors play a crucial role in saving and preserving historical items, which ultimately get passed on to future generations. The emotional power of these items remains meaningful, and Holzer notes that one can almost feel the electricity from these relics, which had a significant impact on the people who fought for what they represented. These documents and objects are a testament to the struggles and triumphs of the American people and serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving our collective history.
Conclusion
The "We the People: America at 250" auction is a significant event that showcases the nation’s rich history and cultural heritage. The rare items featured in the auction, including the 1776 broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence, Rufus King’s edited draft of the U.S. Constitution, and American art, provide a unique glimpse into the past and highlight the importance of preserving our collective history. As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, this auction serves as a reminder of the significance of these historical items and the role that private collectors play in preserving them for future generations.
