In the story of America's Great Seal, a particularly relevant chapter is the imagery suggested by Benjamin Franklin in August 1776. He chose the dramatic historical scene described in Exodus, where people confronted a tyrant in order to gain their freedom.

Franklin's design was recommended by the first committee for the reverse side of the Great Seal. No sketch was made of their design. The above drawing was made by Benson J. Lossing for Harper's New Monthly Magazine in July 1856. Note: Lossing failed to include something Franklin specified: "Rays from a Pillar of Fire in the Clouds reaching to Moses.

A full-color realization has been created of Ben Franklin's design. The new painting by surrealistic artist Robin Heslop is based solely on Franklin's written description. The result is strikingly original.

To read the complete article, see:Benjamin Franklin's Great Seal Design(ww.greatseal.com/committees/firstcomm/reverse.html)

From Robin Heslop's web page:

To read the complete article, see:"Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God"(www.acrylicvisions.com/pyramids/moses.html)