James Madison 1897 — a late-century commemorative likeness of the fourth president, issued long after his death, when the Gilded Age had a habit of resurrecting Founders to anchor a republic uncertain of its own continuity. Madison's spectacled gravity, reprinted for a generation that had survived its civil war.

About the Source

Bella Frye sources artifacts from the great American historical archive — the Library of Congress, the National Archives, regional historical societies, and the lithographic publishers (Currier & Ives, Kurz & Allison, Endicott, Sarony, Prang) who documented the republic from its founding through the early twentieth century. The aged paper tone, the engraver's hand, and the original plate annotations are preserved in the print.

Materials & Finish

Printed to order in our Pacific Northwest studio on premium 380gsm cotton canvas with archival pigment inks. Hand-finished and framed in our signature ornate frame with verdigris corner detail, available in three finishes:

• Ebony — deep black with carved ornate detailing; dramatic against light walls
• Verdigris — aged copper-green with antique patina; the signature Bella Frye look
• Bourbon — warm walnut tone with ornate relief; rich and historically grounded

Stretched canvas (frameless gallery wrap) is available for those who prefer a frameless presentation.

Where It Belongs

Libraries, studies, civic offices, monument-rooms, and any space drawn to the long, complicated work of rebuilding after the war. Pairs naturally with other documents from the Bella Frye Republic collection — political broadsides, presidential portraits, military scenes, and the artifacts of American memory.

• Premium 380gsm cotton canvas, archival pigment inks
• Three frame finishes: Ebony, Verdigris, Bourbon
• Stretched canvas option available
• Hand-finished in our Pacific Northwest studio
• Arrives ready to hang
• Free shipping on every order, ships next business day