BEN SCHONZEIT Yankee Flame, 1976

"Yankee Flame" (1975) is a collotype by American photorealist artist Ben Schonzeit, created for the portfolio "America: The Third Century" in celebration of the United States Bicentennial in 1976. The artwork features a meticulously detailed glass filled with ice and liquid, reflecting the images of two prominent American figures: the Statue of Liberty and a portrait resembling George Washington. This composition symbolizes the fusion of America's historical heritage and its enduring values.

The piece exemplifies Schonzeit's photorealistic technique, capturing intricate details and the interplay of light and reflection. The use of a common object—a glass—serves as a metaphor for reflection and perspective, inviting viewers to contemplate America's past and future.

"Yankee Flame" was published by APC Editions and printed by Triton Press, New York, as part of a limited edition of 200. The collotype measures approximately 30 x 22 inches. It is included in the collections of institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the National Gallery of Art, underscoring its significance in American art commemorating the Bicentennial.