The Statue of Liberty is one of the most well-recognized icons of the United States of America. She is probably only second to the actual American flag, in terms of being the symbol of the American Spirit. The famous poem that is written on the plaque of the actual Statue of Liberty, “New Colossus” reads:
“Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mile eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
To be an American, especially an American immigrant or a family of immigrants, Lady Liberty may be the most meaningful symbol of the United States. A gift from France, the Statue of Liberty is an immigrant herself. Many immigrants who have come to this country on ship generations ago have memories of the Statue of Liberty being the first memory of coming to the United States. She is beautiful, she is strong, and she welcomes those who need her. She is a perfect representation of the American Spirit, no matter what the political climate of the time may be.
Are you thinking about getting a tattoo with The Statue of Liberty? Check out these 10 Powerful statues of Liberty Tattoos for ideas and inspiration:
The portrait of Lady Liberty makes a wonderful tattoo, even as a small, yet incredibly realistic hand tattoo.
The sun’s rays shine brightly and warmly on Lady Liberty, even amongst the stormy clouds.
That pensive stare, absolutely beautiful.
Old school Lady Liberty is adorable.
What a gorgeous black and gray sleeve of the Statue of Liberty, including some Greek ruins, which ties into the “New Colossus” poem that she has on her plaque.
An old school, stylized version of Lady Liberty is quite lovely!
What a strong portrait of Lady Liberty, even if it is just her head deconstructed. Not sure what the meaning of this is. Feel free to interpret it in the comments!
The United States still breathes with the American Spirit, but there are many atrocities that happen here that Lady Liberty would not be happy with. In fact, this representation of Lady Liberty covering her face, crying, in sadness and in horror, is very powerful and accurate at times.
Here’s a darker side of New York City represented here, but we still see Lady Liberty’s bright and hopeful face at the top.
A gorgeously detailed sleeve including Lady Liberty at the top, Benjamin Franklin, and a roulette table at the bottom. This is a very personal piece to the wearer that only he truly knows. Great tattoo!
