The Original Star-Spangled Banner – Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Washington, D.C. : 無料・フリー素材/写真
The Original Star-Spangled Banner – Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Washington, D.C. / dalecruse
| ライセンス | クリエイティブ・コモンズ 表示 2.1 |
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| 説明 | This powerful image captures the preserved remains of the original Star-Spangled Banner, displayed in a specially designed climate-controlled chamber at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. The massive 30-by-34-foot garrison flag inspired Francis Scott Key’s poem—later adopted as the United States national anthem—after he witnessed it flying over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.Presented in low light to preserve its fragile fibers, the flag lies flat behind glass, partially illuminated, with the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner” projected overhead. The experience is reverent and reflective, offering visitors a rare encounter with a literal piece of American history—one that survived bombardment, witnessed the defense of a nation, and symbolized resilience.Sewn in 1813 by Mary Pickersgill and her household in Baltimore, Maryland, the flag originally had 15 stars and 15 stripes, representing the number of states at that time. It flew atop Fort McHenry on September 14, 1814, as British forces unleashed a 25-hour bombardment. When the smoke cleared, the massive flag was still waving—prompting Key, who had watched from a nearby ship, to pen the words that now form the national anthem.The photo captures the texture of the flag’s worn fabric—faded reds, muted blues, and areas of deep fray—and the somber atmosphere of its presentation. Suspended in near darkness, the artifact is surrounded by silence, creating an almost sacred environment. The flag’s current condition reflects both its age and its symbolic journey—from battlefield banner to revered national treasure.The conservation and presentation of the Star-Spangled Banner involved years of painstaking effort by museum conservators and historians. Its size and fragility required advanced display engineering, ensuring it could be exhibited horizontally without further damage. Today, it remains one of the most visited and emotionally resonant objects in the Smithsonian’s collection.This photograph honors the intersection of history, patriotism, and preservation. It reminds viewers of the enduring power of symbols—how a piece of cloth, shaped by war and time, can represent a people’s collective memory and aspirations. It is more than a relic; it is a statement of endurance.For history lovers, photographers, educators, or anyone drawn to iconic artifacts, this image offers a visual encounter with one of America’s most deeply rooted national symbols. The flag’s presence is quiet but profound, inviting contemplation of the ideals it was meant to represent—and the ways those ideals have evolved. |
| 撮影日 | 2025-05-06 17:06:36 |
| 撮影者 | dalecruse , San Francisco, CA, USA |
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