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Great Seal Collection (#2)

"The Great Seal: A Timeless Emblem of Power and Authority" The great seal has long been a symbol of power, authority, and sovereignty throughout history

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: John, First Lord Somers, c1700, (early-mid 19th century). Creator: WT Mote

John, First Lord Somers, c1700, (early-mid 19th century). Creator: WT Mote
John, First Lord Somers, c1700, (early-mid 19th century). Portrait of English politician John Somers, 1st Baron Somers (1651-1716), holding the Lord Chancellors Purse

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: Great Seal of William and Mary, 1897. Creator: John Leech

Great Seal of William and Mary, 1897. Creator: John Leech
Great Seal of William and Mary, 1897. The royal seal of King William III (1650-1702) and Queen Mary II (1662-1694) of Great Britain and Ireland

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: Wolsey surrendering the Great Seal, 1897. Creator: John Leech

Wolsey surrendering the Great Seal, 1897. Creator: John Leech
Wolsey surrendering the Great Seal, 1897. Wolsey cries into his handkerchief as he hands over the Great Seal. (The Seal was used to confirm formal documents)

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: United States of America, c1935. Creator: Unknown

United States of America, c1935. Creator: Unknown
United States of America, c1935. From " An Album of National Flags and Arms". [John Player & Sons, c1935]

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: The Great Seal of the Common Wealth of England, 1785. Creator: Unknown

The Great Seal of the Common Wealth of England, 1785. Creator: Unknown
The Great Seal of the Common Wealth of England, 1785. Two sides of the seal dating from the period of the English Commonwealth

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: The Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk demanding the Great Seal of Cardinal Wolsey, 1529 (1793)

The Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk demanding the Great Seal of Cardinal Wolsey, 1529 (1793)
The Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, by the order of Henry VIII, demanding the Great Seal of Cardinal Wolsey, 1529 (1793). From Ashburtons History of England, by Charles Alfred Ashburton. [W. & J

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: Third Great Seal of Queen Anne, obverse, 1702-1714 (1906)

Third Great Seal of Queen Anne, obverse, 1702-1714 (1906). Anne (1665-1714) was the daughter of James II, deposed by William of Orange in the Glorious Revolution of 1688

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: The Great Seal of Queen Victoria, c1895

The Great Seal of Queen Victoria, c1895. From Cassells Illustrated History of England, volume VII (c1895)

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: The Great Seal of King William IV, c1895

The Great Seal of King William IV, c1895. From Cassells Illustrated History of England, volume VII (c1895)

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: The Great Seal of King George IV, c1895

The Great Seal of King George IV, c1895. From Cassells Illustrated History of England, volume VII (c1895)

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: The great seal of Queen Anne of Great Britain. Artist: J Mynde

The great seal of Queen Anne of Great Britain. Artist: J Mynde
The great seal of Queen Anne of Great Britain. Anne (1665-1714) was the daughter of James II, deposed by William of Orange in the Glorious Revolution of 1688

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: The Great Seal of King George I, 18th century (1786). Artist: Goldar

The Great Seal of King George I, 18th century (1786). Artist: Goldar
The Great Seal of King George I, 18th century (1786). George I (1660-1727) was the first Hanoverian King of Great Britain and Ireland. He ruled from 1714 until his death

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: The Great Seal of the Commonwealth of England, 1651 (1785). Artist: Goldar

The Great Seal of the Commonwealth of England, 1651 (1785). Artist: Goldar
The Great Seal of the Commonwealth of England, 1651 (1785)

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: Portrait Sir Nicolas Bacon Nicolas Bacon statesman

Portrait Sir Nicolas Bacon Nicolas Bacon statesman
Portrait of Sir Nicolas Bacon, Nicolas Bacon, a statesman during the reign of Elizabeth I and keeper of the great seal. The print has a French poem about his life, as a caption

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: Great Seal of Henry Viii, Obverse

Great Seal of Henry Viii, Obverse

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: Great Seal of Henry VIII

Great Seal of Henry VIII
Great Seal of Henry Viii

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: The Cup of Sir Nicholas Bacon, who Died on February 20, 1579

The Cup of Sir Nicholas Bacon, who Died on February 20, 1579
THE CUP OF SIR NICHOLAS BACON, WHO DIED ON FEBRUARY 20, 1579. English politician during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: Bulstrode Whitelock (1605-75), commissioner of the Great Seal under Cromwell (engraving)

Bulstrode Whitelock (1605-75), commissioner of the Great Seal under Cromwell (engraving)
XJF1765620 Bulstrode Whitelock (1605-75), commissioner of the Great Seal under Cromwell (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: born in Fleet Street)

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: Great Seal Commonwealth, representing House Commons, London, England, engraving 19th

Great Seal Commonwealth, representing House Commons, London, England, engraving 19th century, Britain, UK

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: AMERICA: GRAND SEAL. The original design for the Great Seal of the United States

AMERICA: GRAND SEAL. The original design for the Great Seal of the United States. Sketch by Pierre Eugene du Simitiere (c1736-1784)

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: WASHINGTON: SEAL. Impression of the presidential seal used by George Washington

WASHINGTON: SEAL. Impression of the presidential seal used by George Washington, 1789-1797, featuring the same design as the Great Seal of the United States

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: THE CUP OF SIR NICHOLAS BACON, WHO DIED ON FEBRUARY 20, 1579. English politician

THE CUP OF SIR NICHOLAS BACON, WHO DIED ON FEBRUARY 20, 1579. English politician during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: GREAT SEAL OF ENGLAND. Great Seal of 1651. Line engraving, 19th century

GREAT SEAL OF ENGLAND. Great Seal of 1651. Line engraving, 19th century

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: CANADA: GREAT SEAL. Great Seal of the Dominion of Canada. Wood engraving, 1869

CANADA: GREAT SEAL. Great Seal of the Dominion of Canada. Wood engraving, 1869

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: FIRST U. S. SEAL, 1782. Obverse of the first Great Seal of the United States

FIRST U. S. SEAL, 1782. Obverse of the first Great Seal of the United States, adopted by Congress on 20 June 1782
FIRST U.S. SEAL, 1782. Obverse of the first Great Seal of the United States, adopted by Congress on 20 June 1782

Background imageGreat Seal Collection: FIRST U. S. SEAL, 1782. Reverse of the first Great Seal of the United States

FIRST U. S. SEAL, 1782. Reverse of the first Great Seal of the United States, adopted by Congress on 20 June 1782
FIRST U.S. SEAL, 1782. Reverse of the first Great Seal of the United States, adopted by Congress on 20 June 1782




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"The Great Seal: A Timeless Emblem of Power and Authority" The great seal has long been a symbol of power, authority, and sovereignty throughout history. From the majestic helmets depicted on the great seals of kings and barons to the intricate illustrations found in Francis Grose's Military Antiquities, this emblem holds a rich historical significance. In Andrew Jackson's oil painting from 1819, we witness the grandeur and dignity associated with the great seal. The vibrant colors bring forth an aura of strength and leadership that resonates through time. Similarly, King George III's color lithograph showcases the regal nature of this emblematic seal. One cannot overlook its role in bestowing blessings upon individuals as seen in "The Great Seal blesses the Princesses" lithograph. This portrayal highlights how even royalty sought divine favor through this sacred symbol. As we delve deeper into history, we encounter notable figures who held positions closely tied to the great seal. Sir Edward Littleton, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, stands tall in his engraving while Bulstrode Whitelock is immortalized for his service under Cromwell. The great seal extends beyond borders as well; it transcends nations. The Dominion of Canada proudly displays its own version engraved with utmost precision. Meanwhile, Edward VII's wax model from 1904 exemplifies how this emblem continued to evolve over time without losing its essence. Celebrations surrounding significant milestones involving mayoralty or organizations like East India Company pay homage to their heritage by showcasing historical relics featuring these iconic seals captured beautifully in black-and-white photographs or lithographs. Whether it be through engravings capturing ancient times or modern renditions commemorating important events, one thing remains constant—the great seal serves as an enduring symbol representing power and tradition across generations.