The Basics Of "The Birth Of Old Glory"
The Birth Of Old Glory is a painting from 1908 that depicts Betsy Ross showing General George Washington the first American flag.[1] Betsy Ross’s story is often questioned, although there is sufficient evidence to show this event did in fact take place. It can be determined that Betsy Ross made flags, even though not everyone is convinced that she made the first American flag.[2] Betsy married John Ross, an upholsterer, and after they married she helped her husband with his upholstery shop.[3] Betsy Ross and George Washington were said to have been acquaintances, and when he came to her shop and asked her to make a flag; it was not his first visit.[4] This event was captured in a painting long after it occurred, and Betsy was not famous in her time for making the first American flag.[5] It is no surprise that Edward Percy Moran painted this particular image; he painted multiple American history scenes.[6] The intended audience for this painting are people interested in American history based art. Edward Percy Moran’s The Birth Of Old Glory provides a seemingly accurate representation of Betsy Ross and how the American Flag was created; while still depicting how women contributed to the American Revolution without directly fighting in the war.[8]