Symbolism of the Statue of Liberty and Its Expansion - Emblem of the Friendship Between France and the United States

Symbolism of The Statue of Liberty and Its Expansion

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic figures in American history. Standing at over 151 feet and weighing about 450,000 pounds, she is a sight like no other within the vast landscape of New York City. As the history of this renowned statue parallels the maturation of this nation in many ways, the statue ultimately comes to represent the most pure and patriotic ideals of America's emerging democracy and the similar hopes incorporated in all citizens of the United States. In this essay, I will mainly focus on the symbolic value of this statue and elaborate on its various interpretations over the history of this masterpiece both technically and spiritually.

Emblem of the Friendship Between France and the United States

The idea of Lady Liberty was inspired in France in 1865, by Edouard Rene de Laboulaye, a man who believed America's idea of democracy was not only a feasible way of life in the US, but expected to implement this mode of government in his own country. His concept blossomed, and soon matured to be recognition of the friendship between France and the US that was established during the upsetting conflicts happened in the mid 19th century. Most importantly, this statue stood to symbolize freedom for the country in a desperately needed time. To some people, America probably would not have been able to conquer the British and gain freedom without the help of the French. The French helped by supplying the U.S. with money, ships, weapons and soldiers to fight against the British. Almost 100 years after the war, the French decided to create something to symbolize their close historic ties and their passion for freedom and liberty.

The French sculptor Frederic Bartholdi, in collaboration with the French engineer Gustave Eiffel, who was responsible for its frame, was appointed to design a gift from France for the celebration of American independence in 1876. Its design and construction were recognized at the time as one of the greatest architectural achievements of the 19th century, and, when finally dedicated a decade later, the Statue has since welcomed millions of immigrants who arrived in the United States by sea. The design and symbolism of the statue had many allegory images. The sculptor Frederic Bartholdi drew both on Libertas, a goddess of freedom stemming from ancient Rome, and Columbia, a feminine embodiment of the US that was popular at that time. In April of 1896, the massive statue was transported in 350 individual pieces and finally reassembled on the American pedestal after about four months labor.

Torch of Freedom

There is a universal message that the Statue of Liberty conveys to the whole world, namely, freedom. The Statue of Liberty faces outward toward the nations, holding aloft the torch of freedom, the flame of hope and the promise of the future. Liberty's image is one of strength, majesty, and hope, visible in her eternally raised right arm. Holding high the light that never fails, she represents hope to the hopeless and courage to those who possess fears. Her lamp is also a lighthouse on stormy seas for those who seek a better life from afar to escape from religious oppression.

Not only it represents the freedom of physical body, it also implies the freedom of soul and spirit and of choice that was declared as an inalienable right in the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, which is inscribed on the tablet she carries on her left hand. She can also be conceived as an invitation for the exiled people to step through New York Harbor into the nation of freedom. Liberty's comforting presence is increasingly needed when the turbulent events becomes more severe. In times of turbulence, her light is reassuring, and her presence remains a guarantee of safety.

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