The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of fun-filled facts, historical information and interesting trivia about how the famous "Miss Liberty" went from a glimmer in a French sculptor's workshop to one of the most famous landmarks in the U.S.
First, a little background. Most people probably know that the Lady was designed by Auguste Bartholdi.
![Bartholdi](images/bartholdi.jpg)
But, many of us may not know that the model for the face was his mother, Charlotte...
![Charlotte](images/charlotte.jpg)
![Charlotte Face in Liberty](images/charlotte_face.jpg)
…and the model for the arms and torso was his wife, Jeanne-Emilie.
![Bartholdi wife](images/wife_bartholdi.jpg)
… and the model for her stance was an 1830 painting by Delacroix.
![Delacroix painting: Liberty Guiding the People](images/delacroix.jpg)
The statue was commissioned by the Franco-American Union in 1874, and was to be a gift to the American people from France to celebrate friendship and freedom on the 100th anniversary of America's independence. By the way, the Lady's full name is: The Statue of "Liberty Enlightening the World."
![Paris plaque for Liberty](images/paris_plaque.jpg)