"Brandywine Flag" by Dennis Lyall, Original Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Presented is an original acrylic on canvas painting entitled "Brandywine Flag," by American artist Dennis Lyall. Created as the original artwork for the Fleetwood First Day Cover honoring the U.S. 33-cent Brandywine Flag Classic Collection Series stamp, the painting was issued in conjunction with the stamp's release on June 14, 2000, which was also the anniversary of the adoption of the American flag by the Continental Congress. Lyall signed the painting at the lower right. The composition depicts soldiers of the 7th Pennsylvania Regiment advancing during the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, carrying the celebrated red and white Brandywine Flag, one of the earliest surviving American flags to incorporate the newly adopted Stars and Stripes. The Brandywine Flag was purportedly made in Philadelphia during the summer of 1777, only months after the Continental Congress resolved on June 14th that the national flag should consist of thirteen alternating red and white stripes and thirteen stars, representing a "new constellation." This banner is a unique reflection of those new 1777 Flag Act stipulations, with a rare "flag-within-a-flag" design. Its red silk field bears a canton containing a miniature flag, with thirteen stripes and a white canton displaying thirteen red stars. Carried by the Chester County Militia under the command of Robert Wilson, this red and white silk banner reportedly flew during the Battle of Brandywine, the largest single-day land battle of the Revolutionary War. Fought on September 11, 1777, the Battle of Brandywine was General George Washington's determined attempt to halt the advance of General Sir William Howe's British army toward Philadelphia. Washington established defensive positions along Brandywine Creek, choosing high ground near Chadd's Ford, but Howe executed a successful flanking maneuver that forced the Continental Army to withdraw after fierce fighting. Although the British victory led to the capture of Philadelphia, Washington preserved the core of his army, allowing the Revolutionary cause to continue. Dennis Lyall, the artist, was born in Iowa and attended the University of Kansas. As a student, Lyall was awarded a Gold Medal by the Society of Illustrators. Afterwards, he worked as an illustrator for many years on advertisements for companies such as Nabisco, National Geographic Magazine, and NBC. Lyall is perhaps most known for his contributions to stamp design. Overall, the U.S. Postal Service has issued 34 stamps using his designs. This painting is one such example of his artwork that was used for the U.S. Flags stamp series. Lyall has served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Society of Illustrators in New York City and his works are part of the permanent collections of the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Air Force, and more. CONDITION: Near fine condition. Acrylic painting on canvas, mounted on art board. Bright vibrant colors, without fading. Clean and full margins. Signed by artist, at lower right. Past “Unicover Corporation” numbered collection stamp, as well as dated United States First Day Cover Society collection sticker and notation, on the verso. Framed with archival top mats, UV Conservation Clear glass, and custom-made wooden frame. Framed Dimensions: 25 3/4" H x 21" W x 1 1/4" D. Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.