Curiosity learned the Juan.
Paul Stahr was a talented american illustrator, and also the man who invented flourescent colors. The formula was stolen by Eastman/kodak spies (yes, that kodak) and since Paul couldn’t afford to keep the legal battle going with such a big company, the case conceded.
Mr. Stahr Illustrated this poster:
featuring “Columbia” the feminine personification of The United States America.
Columbia is a New Latin toponym, combining a stem Columb- based on the surname of the explorer Christopher Columbus and an ending -ia, common in Latin names of countries (e.g. Britannia ”Britain”, Gallia”Gaul”). The meaning is therefore “Land of Columbus.”
I had never seen/heard america be referenced as a lady besides “Lady Liberty” before. But “Columbia” is the name of the fictional Dystopia in BioShock: Infinite. Judging by the trailer, gameplay video, and this nifty screenshot I just took from the gameplay video, The aforementioned game is going to be the most ridiculously entertaining social commentary ever.
I just learned about an illustrator who was ripped off by kodak and Uncle Sam’s female equivalent all because of a video game. WOW, AINT THAT JUST GRAND? :D
Wait until I tell my mom.
