Helen Frank- The 19th Amendment, signed archival reproduction of the original oil on paper, image size 20” x 30” $275 or $750 framed as shown, antique silver frame, float mount with UV plexi.
The 19th Amendment (1920) to the Constitution of the United States provides men and women with equal voting rights. The amendment states that the right of citizens to vote "shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." Although this equality was implied in the 14th Amendment (1868), most of the states continued to restrict or prohibit women's suffrage.
The women's rights movements, which started as early as the 1830s and became intertwined with the struggle to abolish slavery, resulted in the proposal for the 19th Amendment, introduced in Congress in 1878. This proposed amendment remained a controversial issue for over 40 years, during which the women's rights movement became strongly militant, conducting campaigns and demonstrations for congressional passage of the amendment and then for ratification by the states. This political action, reinforced by the service of women in industry during World War I, resulted in the adoption of the amendment.
The painting depicts Governor Edwin P. Morrow signing the ratification as members of the Kentucky Equal Rights Association look on.
This reproduction is the first ever by artist Helen Frank, known for her etchings and mono prints as well as paintings and drawings. She has published over 20 books of her work and her prints are in the permanent collection of many museums.