Sic Semper Tyrannis
* By John Paul Strain *
General Robert E. Lee’s Colt Revolver
- Signed Archival Paper Giclée
- Condition: New
- Limited Edition (200)
- Image size: 14" x 20.5"
- Includes a Certificate of Authenticity
- Ships flat & free via FedEx.
- Handling time: 1 - 2.5 wks
- Please let us know if you have any questions.
Notes from the Artist: "In 1775, the Revolutionary War began in earnest as American patriots fought the British army for their independence. The founders of the Constitution met at the second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, and George Washington was named Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. By June of 1776, the Virginia legislature had adopted Virginia’s Declaration of Rights and the First Virginia Constitution. A seal for the Commonwealth of Virginia was needed, and delegate George Mason recommended the phrase “Sic Semper Tyrannis” (Thus Always to Tyrants), be included. The seal artwork was designed by George Wythe and featured the Goddess of Virtue holding a sword and spear, resting her foot on the tyrant King George. Wythe was a distinguished Virginia judge, a signatory of the Declaration of Independence, and a Founding Father of the United States. Wythe was also a law professor and mentored Thomas Jefferson, Henry Clay and John Marshall. In May of 1861, the Virginia legislature voted to secede from the Federal government and join the Confederate States of America. The convention of delegates also approved an ordinance to establish a flag for the commonwealth, adopting the pattern of the Virginia state seal of 1776 surrounded by a blue field. Virginia brigades would carry these hand painted flags featuring the Goddess of Virtue and motto “Sic Semper Tyrannis” into battle against invading federal forces. Confederate officers often purchased their own swords after obtaining a commission in the army. These swords varied in quality as well as intricacy in design, depending on the officer’s rank and wealth. It was fairly common for Generals of the highest rank to carry an ornate sword, possibly with brass fittings, silver plated handle, and their name engraved on the scabbard. Sometimes, these elegant swords were donated to the generals by a grateful citizen. General Robert E. Lee of Virginia, carried a Colt 1851 Navy revolver, 3rd model - 36 cal. 6-shot round cylinder, with a 7 1/2” octagonal barrel. The piece featured a brass front bead, one piece walnut handle, silver plated brass trigger guard, and backstrap. The revolver was engraved by the W.L. Armsby Company, New York, and had the serial number 37698. After the war, Lee kept the revolver in a holster hanging from the headboard in his bedroom. General Lee would pass away on October 12, 1870. His revolver was then emptied with all six shots firing. The motto, “Sic Semper Tyrannis”, still adorns the Virginia State flag to this day. Robert E. Lee’s revolver can be seen in the American Museum of the Civil War, in Richmond, Virginia."
About John Paul Stain: Mr. Strain and his paintings have been featured on the television shows of C-Span's Washington Journal, The History Channel, and Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Throughout his long career he has won many awards for his art. Reproductions of his work have won numerous 1st place awards and "Best of Show" honors, such as the PICA Awards, The Printing Industry of the Carolina's, and at the PIAG Awards in Georgia. Strain is also a featured artist for internationally known collector art companies the Bradford Exchange and the Franklin Mint for which he has created a Civil War Chess Set, several limited edition plate series, sculptures, and many other collectible items featuring his paintings. John Paul completed a number of commissioned works for the United States Army, which are on permanent display at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Fort McNair, Washington D.C., and the battlefield visitor's center at Normandy, France. Today, his original paintings can be found in many noted museums such as the Museum of Fredericksburg, and at Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello. In 2010 Mr. Strain won the Henry Timrod Southern Culture Award presented by the Military Order of the Stars and Bars - Descendants of Officers of the Confederacy. In 2017 Mr. Strain was unanimously chosen by the Board of Directors of the General N.B. Forrest Historical Society for the “Forrest Distinguished Artist of the Year Award” Notably his work has been collected by many US Senators, US Congressmen, State Governors, music and Hollywood celebrities. His work can be found at the United States Pentagon, and assorted United States Navy Military War Ships currently in service. Over 90,000 pieces of John Paul Strain's Limited Edition Art and original paintings have been sold and enjoyed worldwide!
Options:
200 S/N Paper Giclées - $275 here
50 Artist's Proof Paper Giclées - $375
Image size: 14" x 20.5"
100 S/N Studio Canvas Giclées - $275
15 Artist's Proof Studio Canvas Giclées - $325
Image size 12.75" x 18.75"
100 S/N Classic Canvas Giclées - $525
15 Artist's Proof Classic Canvas Giclées - $675
Image size 17" x 25"
30 S/N Executive Canvas Giclées - $1200
5 Artist's Proof Executive Canvas Giclées - $1400
Image size 21.75" x 32"
