Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence (and Promoting Calligraphy Lessons!)
Rare Manchester, New Hampshire published the broadside of the text of the Declaration of Independence, with a elegant full length portrait of George Washington, "Designed & Executed entirely with a Pen By Gilman R. Russell, Teacher of Practical, Plain & Ornamental Writing & Drawing".
Russell, a well-regarded New Hampshire calligrapher, commissioned publisher William Henry Fisk and Boston lithographer John Henry Bufford to prepare this elaborate work, capitalizing on the 80th anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration to promote Russell's skills as a calligrapher and instructor.
Russell produced a similarly style broadside for the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865.
Rarity
The image is scarce on the market.
OCLC locates 2 copies (Boston Athenaeum and University of Virginia). Other examples at Mount Vernon, New Hampshire Historical Society,