Spirit of 76. 3c, 3 January 1878

The spirit of 76 originally titled yankee doodle, this is one of several versions painted by archibald willard. The first appeared in 1875. These icons are fondly known as the spirit of 76, in remembrance of the year 1776. The example above is color restored. Often parodied for humor, they are legendary symbols of liberty from courage. The 1875 version shows a long white banner over the fledging flag. That original is in marblehead, massachusetts. Date: 3 January 1878.