Title: Frédéric Bartholdi Signed Cut with Early Depiction of the Statue of Liberty – PSA/DNA Certified
Description:
This remarkable artifact features the authentic signature of Frédéric Bartholdi, the French sculptor renowned for designing the Statue of Liberty. Boldly signed “F. Bartholdi”, the inscription reads “For autograph”, and appears above a vivid printed image of Liberty Enlightening the World, depicting the iconic statue as it was originally envisioned—standing upon its pedestal, torch raised high, overlooking the harbor.
The lower portion includes an annotation in a different hand: “Recd. 11.16.1885 – D.C. Green”, dating this piece to just before the Statue of Liberty’s official dedication in October 1886. The cut is preserved in excellent condition and has been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA, with certification number 85509847.
Historical Context:
Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi (1834–1904) was the visionary behind one of the world’s most enduring symbols of freedom. The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the United States, was conceived by Bartholdi in the 1870s and took years of planning, fundraising, and international collaboration to complete. The statue arrived in New York in 1885 and was officially dedicated on October 28, 1886.
This signed item captures the spirit of that monumental project, combining Bartholdi’s personal autograph with a period visual of the statue—possibly a contemporary rendering used in promoting or commemorating the statue's progress.
Authentication & Encapsulation:
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Certified by: PSA/DNA
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Certification Number: 85509847
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Label: "CUT – FREDERIC BARTHOLDI – PSA/DNA CERTIFIED – AUTHENTIC AUTO"
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Encapsulation: Slabbed in a PSA tamper-evident holder, ensuring long-term preservation and authenticity of both the autograph and accompanying artwork.
Closing Appeal:
This PSA/DNA-certified cut signature of Frédéric Bartholdi, paired with an early visual of the Statue of Liberty, is an exceptional relic of American and French history. Signed less than a year before the statue’s unveiling, it offers collectors a direct link to one of the most significant symbols of liberty in the modern world. A rare and culturally powerful acquisition for enthusiasts of historical autographs, monumental art, or Franco-American heritage.
