Item #14791 The Declaration of Independence (Original 1942 Theodore Ohman Lithograph). Thomas Jefferson.
Jefferson, Thomas

The Declaration of Independence (Original 1942 Theodore Ohman Lithograph)

Memphis, Tn: The Ohman Co., 1942. Ohman, Theodore & Stone, William. 1st Edition Thus. Very Good. Item #14791

A stunning WW II era printing of the Declaration of Independence, printed and published by lithographer Theodore Ohman in 1942 in a Limited Edition for the Coca Cola Company.

That year, in the midst of WW II, Ohman produced this stunning lithograph of the Declaration of Independence using the last official photograph, taken in 1903, of the original Declaration before it was permanently sealed in a vault at the Library of Congress, where it was housed before the establishment of the National Archives in 1934

Long before the 1903 photograph had been taken, the ink on the original Declaration had all but disappeared.

In 1820 Secretary of State John Adams, aghast at the condition of the original Declaration, petitioned the U.S. Congress to fund and exact replica. William Stone was chosen to produce this copy, a copperplate engraving printed on vellum. The 1823 Stone engraving is widely regarded as the most exact reproduction of the Declaration ever created. 200 copies were printed to be distributed to the U.S. Government as well as Signers still living or their descendants.

In the early 20th century Ohman stumbled upon one of the original Stone engravings in an antique shop and purchased the document. He also purchased the negative from the 1903 last photograph.

He used the image of the original Declaration, complete with shadows, wrinkles and imperfections as they were in 1903, as the base layer of his lithograph. Overtop he used the Stone engraving, lining up the text exactly as it would be over the original imperfections, a tedious process.

The final result is an incredibly realistic combination of the two, what the Declaration would look like in the early 20th century had the ink not faded, right down to the color of the parchment.

Ohman printed these replicas in Limited Editions for certain companies, which then gave the lithographs away to select employees and customers.

Copies of Ohman Declarations currently reside in the Library of Congress, the National Archives and Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the original document was signed.

This particular lithograph measures 28 3/4 X 34" framed and was produced for the Coca Cola Co., adding to its unique collectible desirability. On the frame backing is a pastedown with the Coca Cola logo describing the piece for its recipient.

Lower edge with mild dampstain imperfections in the margin, not affecting any text. Overall, a remarkably well-preserved copy of Ohman's document.

Currently available in shop only for local pickup.

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