Washington’s lily-white dream

“Washington’s Dream’’ (1857 hand-colored lithograph), by Currier & Ives (1834-1907), at the Springfield (Mass.) Museums

The museum explains:

“Currier & Ives pictures a hero dedicated to attaining American independence from British rule. With his battle plans spread on the table and his sword beside him, Washington is portrayed as a leader fighting for freedom. An army encampment is visible through a door in the background. In his dream, Washington’s desire to establish an independent nation is realized by the presence of three allegorical figures dressed in flowing garb. Triumphantly positioned on a globe labeled ‘America,’ the figures symbolize (from left to right) prosperity, liberty and justice.’’

Of course, ‘‘liberty’’ was not meant to extend to his slaves.