Gene Jarvis: John Hancock

Artist: Gene Jarvis
1921 - 1990
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1978
Image Size: 9.5 by 9 inches
Overall Size: 12.75 by 12.5 inches
Medium: Pen and Ink on Hot Press Illustration Board

John Hancock was a leading figure in the struggle of the American colonies to win independence from Great Britain. As president of the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1777, he gained instant fame for the boldness with which he signed the Declaration of Independence. Legend has it that Hancock, after placing the first signature on the historic document, said that "John Bull can read my name without spectacles, and may now double his reward of five hundred pounds sterling for my head." Yet even without the special distinction of that signature, Hancock would have secured an important place in history. Young, fiery, connected with the first families of the colony and reputed to be the richest merchant in Boston, Hancock gave respectability and wealth to the patriot cause in its first days. As early as 1765, he achieved fame when he protested the Stamp Act. In 1768, he became an immensely popular figure throughout New England when his sloop Liberty was seized by the British because the crew had unloaded a cargo of wine without paying duty. Thereafter, Hancock was in the forefront of the opposition to the crown. In 1769, he was elected to the General Court; in 1770, made chairman of the Boston town committee; in 1773, he participated in the publication of the highly damaging Hutchinson letters; and in 1774, he was chosen president of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress. Small wonder the British thought him one of the most dangerous men in America and his fellow patriots thought him a champion.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day of Issue U.S. 10¢ John Hancock Postal Card issued April 4, 1985.

Artwork Copyright © 1978 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB05440

US$ Price: $950.00

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