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How did we picture the faces of the American Revolution?

Signatures of Freedom: Portraits of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence is a commemorative reference work for the United States Semiquincentennial. This book unites images of restored portraits from 19th-century engravings and lithographs with modern design to reveal the diverse Founding Fathers behind the world-changing signatures—featuring Frederick Girsch's iconic engraving of the Declaration of Independence (after John Trumbull), reproduced for generations on U.S. currency.

The central interpretive feature, Deciphering an Iconic Engraving: A Window into History, identifies every figure in the scene and introduces five patriots who inspired independence but did not sign. Most significantly, the facing-page spread unites all 56 signers: the 43 from Girsch's vignette alongside Erekson's portraits of the 13 signers missing from his vignette—the only complete visual record of 1776 leadership on two facing pages.

Organized chronologically by signing order (New Hampshire first, Georgia last), each section presents concise biographies and restored portraits of all 56 signers. Enhanced with state seals and national motifs, Signatures of Freedom is a scholarly tribute and premium historical art book—the Commemorative 250th-anniversary keepsake for history buffs, educators, and collectors.