Below is the first-ever color realization
of Benjamin Franklin's 1776 vision for America's Great Seal,
as re-envisioned by surrealistic artist Robin Heslop.

Emigrating from England to the USA in the late 1970s – followed by my Naturalization and swearing in ceremony in Miami on August 1, 1989 – had made me abundantly aware that Benjamin Franklin was the most powerful writer of his time, as well as a famous scientist, statesman, philosopher, businessman, and civic leader. It was an important step in the naturalization process that the entire history of the Declaration of Independence of 1776 be known to me in detail. I enjoyed reading many history books as well as Franklin's essays, articles, bagatelles, letters, Poor Richard's Almanack, and Autobiography. You could say I felt that Ben Franklin had now become one of my cherished Spirit Guides. So when in early 2011, my friend John MacArthur sent me Ben Franklin's description of his design for the Great Seal, I enthusiastically agreed to create a new and entirely original composition in acrylic paint on stretched canvas embellished by gold, silver and copper leaf. Please enjoy this modern and futuristic art interpretation inspired by Ben Franklin and Moses. – Robin Heslop, 2011 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Benjamin Franklin's original handwritten description
of his Great Seal design (1776)

Transcription

Different lighting:

Acrylic Visions by Robin Heslop

Story of Franklin's Great Seal design

©Robin Heslop