The Declaration in Script and Print with John Bidwell

Graphic arts historian John Bidwell discusses his new book The Declaration in Script and Print: A Visual History of America’s Founding Document (2024), which traces the fascinating history of the Declaration of Independence as both a work of art and a mass-market commodity during the nineteenth century. 

New and improved intaglio, letterpress, and lithographic printing technologies led to increasingly elaborate reproductions of the Declaration during the 1800s.  Opportunistic publishers capitalized on the founding document’s most desirable selling points, keeping an eye out for novelties with commercial potential. They imitated the layout, illustrations, and calligraphy of previous prints. Nearly everybody borrowed decorative motifs and patriotic emblems, such as the Founders’ portraits, state seals, the American eagle, the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall. Market entry was not expensive, bestsellers were free for the taking, and popular demand increased steadily, reaching a peak during the Centennial.

In this hybrid program, Bidwell unravels the intricate web of rivalries surrounding these competing publications, while highlighting the proliferation and widespread influence of the Declaration of Independence on American popular culture.