Constitution Mural Ornament
- National Archives Store Exclusive
- Handcrafted in the U.S.A.
- Etched in solid brass, finished in 24kt gold
- Approximately 3 3/4 by 2 1/2 inches
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This exclusive National Archives Store ornament meticulously captures Barry Faulkner's iconic Constitution Mural in miniature form. Crafted in the U.S.A., this commemorative piece features intricate etching in solid brass, showcasing the mural's detailed figures during the writing and adoption of the Constitution. The ornament's surface undergoes a special finishing process where the non-printed areas are permanently plated with a fine layer of 24kt gold. This gilded technique highlights the mural's historic imagery, including George Washington holding the Constitution next to representatives of the original thirteen colonies, with museum-quality precision.
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In 1933, the chief architect of the National Archives, J. Russell Pope, recommended approval of a two-year contract to hire Barry Faulkner, a noted American muralist, to paint a mural for the Exhibit Hall in the planned Rotunda of the National Archives Building. The result was two large oil-on-canvas murals, each about 14 feet by 37 1/2 feet. One mural honors the signers of the Declaration and the other those who signed the Constitution.