Marble etching titled 'Birth of Our Nation' by Dennis Bivens

This marble etching depicts a historic Philadelphia street scene, created in 1976 to commemorate the American Bicentennial celebration. The artwork captures the architectural character of colonial-era Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, with detailed renderings of period buildings and streetscapes. Marble etching is a specialized printmaking technique where the artist incises an image into a polished marble surface, which is then inked and printed onto paper, creating distinctive tonal qualities and textures unique to this medium. This piece appeals to collectors of American historical art, Bicentennial memorabilia, and Philadelphia-related artifacts. The 1976 date makes it particularly significant as part of the nationwide artistic celebration of America's 200th anniversary, and such commemorative works are valued by patriotic collectors, history enthusiasts, and those interested in regional American art. The marble etching technique itself attracts printmaking collectors who appreciate the craftsmanship and rarity of this specialized medium.