Judge — May 18, 1918 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Freedom of the High Seas" - Columbia: The Gem of the Ocean This illustration satirizes American naval power and maritime dominance. "Columbia" (the female personification of America, identifiable by her classical pose and flowing garments on the left) appears triumphant amid churning ocean waves. The intricate wave patterns and swirling imagery emphasize naval strength and control of waterways. The title references America's assertion of maritime rights—likely alluding to debates over naval freedom and international waters during the late 19th or early 20th century. The artist H. Palmer depicts this as patriotic celebration, with Columbia dominating the seas as the nation's symbol of power and independence. The detailed wave work suggests both the beauty and force of American oceanic authority.