Patriotic Girl As Lady Liberty With US Flag 4th Of July Hodson Real Photo Postcard
The figure of "Liberty" is an enduring national personification of the United States, often depicted as a classically robed woman bearing symbols like a torch, Phrygian cap, or laurel wreath. This postcard features a young girl embodying Liberty, distinguished by a crown bearing the letters "BERT" (likely an abbreviation for "Liberty") and draped in the American flag. Such allegorical representations were popular in American culture, particularly from the late 19th through the early 20th century, used to symbolize national ideals, freedom, and democratic values.
The widespread use of children in patriotic imagery, like this depiction, was a common tactic during periods of nationalistic fervor, notably around World War I (1914-1918) and its aftermath. These images served to instill patriotism, promote unity, and mobilize public sentiment, often disseminated through popular media such as postcards. Dressing children as national symbols helped to normalize and personalize patriotic messages, fostering a sense of collective identity and civic duty among the populace.
The widespread use of children in patriotic imagery, like this depiction, was a common tactic during periods of nationalistic fervor, notably around World War I (1914-1918) and its aftermath. These images served to instill patriotism, promote unity, and mobilize public sentiment, often disseminated through popular media such as postcards. Dressing children as national symbols helped to normalize and personalize patriotic messages, fostering a sense of collective identity and civic duty among the populace.
