The Declaration of Independence

Overview

Upon his arrival, as an immigrant to America in 1940, Arthur Szyk announced “At last, I have found the home I have always searched for. Here I can speak of what my soul feels. There is no other place on earth that gives one the freedom, liberty and justice that America does”.  Szyk’s illuminated Declaration of Independence is the greatest embodiment of his love of America.

Offered for sale here is his rare First edition, collotype lithograph, 1950 printing of his Declaration of Independence completed one year before his death, as well as the 1953, Second edition authorized by his wife, Julia Szyk, printed two years after his death.

Rare Large First Edition

First Edition, Collotype Lithograph. The Declaration of Independence of the United States. Sheet size 37” x 29” in 9 colors on heavy stock. New Canaan, 1950First Edition, Collotype Lithograph. The Declaration of Independence of the United States. Sheet size 37” x 29” in 9 colors on heavy stock. New Canaan, 1950

This illumination is filled with American imagery from its founding 250 years ago. It features a portrait of George Washington, scenes of Bunker Hill and Valley Forge from the Revolutionary War, and national symbols such as the Liberty Bell, the bald eagle and Independence Hall. The complete text of the Declaration of Independence is framed by iconic elements excerpted from the great seals and flags of the U.S. states and territories: 41 along the top and right, 13 others adjacent to the names of the Declaration’s signers. Alongside the signers of the Declaration, Szyk provides a visual history of the United States flag.

To order, phone Historicana at (650) 343-9578 or click below:

Purchase Now: $2,500

*Shipping ($150) not included in the price. Applicable sales tax will be added where required.

Second Edition

Second Edition. The Declaration of Independence of the United States. Sheet size 25” x 19”. Second edition printing copyright, Julia Szyk, New Canaan, 1953Second Edition. The Declaration of Independence of the United States. Sheet size 25” x 19”. Second edition printing copyright, Julia Szyk, New Canaan, 1953

To order, phone Historicana at (650) 343-9578 or click below:

Purchase Now: $250

*Shipping is not included in the listed price. Applicable sales tax will be added where required.

History of Arthur Szyk’s Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence was donated in 2000 to The Library of Congress fulfilling Szyk’s wish. Upon receiving a standing ovation for The Declaration of Independence, one of his final masterpieces, at its unveiling in New Canaan, Connecticut on July 4, 1950, Szyk declared that the original illuminated artwork belonged in the Library of Congress. He was an extremely proud American. After immigrating to the US in October 1940, Szyk became a citizen in 1948.

The Declaration of Independence was donated in 2000 to The Library of Congress fulfilling Szyk’s wish. He created this artwork as a heartfelt tribute to his adopted nation and as an homage to the concept of freedom, which he famously defended through his art throughout his life.

Szyk dedicated The Declaration of Independence “To my fellow Americans, I dedicate with love this immortal heritage of our forefathers. May these words live in our hearts forever and ever, for no good man loses his freedom but with his life…”

The Declaration of Independence was gifted to the Library of Congress by William Hallam Webber in 2000, fulfilling Szyk’s dream.

The original illuminated masterpiece was exhibited at the Library of Congress in 1999 as part of the “Arthur Szyk: Artist for Freedom” exhibition. It is also part of the exhibition “The Declaration’s Promise: Revolutionary Idea” (July 3, 2026 – July 3, 2027) at the Treasures Gallery, Library of Congress in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Here is the link to Szyk’s Declaration on exhibition.

Click here to order First Edition, 1950, The Declaration of Independence

Click here to order Second Edition, 1953, The Declaration of Independence