The Spirit of '76 Plate – American Revolutionary RM Cook Marblehead

The Yankee Doodle - Spirit of '76 is an iconic painting by Archibald Willard, created around 1875. The artwork vividly captures the patriotic fervor surrounding the American Revolution, specifically reflecting on the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. The painting features three figures in a dynamic march: a young drummer, a fife player, and an older drummer, symbolizing the spirit and determination of the revolutionaries. Their expressions and postures exude a sense of pride and resilience. The painting became a symbol of American patriotism and was later used in propaganda for the Spanish–American War in 1895. This increased its cultural significance and led to its reproduction on various memorabilia, including a souvenir plate produced by Josiah Wedgwood & Sons and later by W. Adams & Co. The souvenir plate depicted here, made in England for R. M. Cook of Marblehead, Mass., likely dates from the late 19th to early 20th century, aligning with the time of heightened nationalism and the use of this imagery in American sentiment. The plate features a striking blue border with intricate floral designs surrounding the central image, which faithfully reproduces the scene from Willard’s original painting. It reflects the enduring legacy of the Spirit of '76 as an emblem of American independence and unity.