Since 1837, the nameplate or vignette has been modified 14 times. However, two ever-present elements have endured: a steam locomotive and a sailing ship. And throughout most of the newspaper's history, they have been traveling in opposite directions.

Since 1837, the nameplate or vignette has been modified 14 times. However, two ever-present elements have endured: a steam locomotive and a sailing ship. And throughout most of the newspaper's history, they have been traveling in opposite directions. (Baltimore Sun)

Baltimore Sun vignettes through the years

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A constant feature of The Sun from its first edition has been its nameplate, which has evolved over the years. H.L. Mencken, longtime Sun and Evening Sun editor and writer, graced the emblematic and symbolic artwork with the term "the vignette."

1st Edition

Since 1837, the nameplate or vignette has been modified 14 times. However, two ever-present elements have endured: a steam locomotive and a sailing ship. And throughout most of the newspaper's history, they have been traveling in opposite directions.

Since 1837, the nameplate or vignette has been modified 14 times. However, two ever-present elements have endured: a steam locomotive and a sailing ship. And throughout most of the newspaper's history, they have been traveling in opposite directions. (Baltimore Sun)

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The Sun 1839

The rising sun with outstretched, finger-like rays, encircled by two goddesses, was first published on May 6, 1839.

The rising sun with outstretched, finger-like rays, encircled by two goddesses, was first published on May 6, 1839. (Baltimore Sun)

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The Sun 1840

The newspaper's motto, "Light For All" first appeared in 1840 on a banner held aloft in an eagle's beak soaring over a sun.

The newspaper's motto, "Light For All" first appeared in 1840 on a banner held aloft in an eagle's beak soaring over a sun. (Baltimore Sun)

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The Sun 1852

Since March 8, 1852, the eagle, symbol of the United States, has been perched atop a federal shield with 13 stars representing the country's original 13 colonies, of which Maryland was the seventh.

Since March 8, 1852, the eagle, symbol of the United States, has been perched atop a federal shield with 13 stars representing the country's original 13 colonies, of which Maryland was the seventh. (Baltimore Sun)

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Sunpapers vignettes 1868 - 1928

Many of the items in the vignette have been a constant since 1840, among them Themis, the Greek goddess of justice, who holds a sword in her right hand and the scales of justice in the other. A brush and palette are symbols of the arts and culture, while a beehive represents the state's industrial workers. A tied sheaf of wheat standing behind the beehive honors the state's agricultural community.

Many of the items in the vignette have been a constant since 1840, among them Themis, the Greek goddess of justice, who holds a sword in her right hand and the scales of justice in the other. A brush and palette are symbols of the arts and culture, while a beehive represents the state's industrial workers. A tied sheaf of wheat standing behind the beehive honors the state's agricultural community.

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The Sun - 1983

The vignette remained relatively unchanged until 1982 when then-publisher Reg Murphy ordered a study of the nameplate. A year later, the Murphy-era nameplate was introduced that featured a more simplified look.

The vignette remained relatively unchanged until 1982 when then-publisher Reg Murphy ordered a study of the nameplate. A year later, the Murphy-era nameplate was introduced that featured a more simplified look. (Baltimore Sun)

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The Sun 2005

In 2005, a colorized version of the nameplate made its debut. The steam engine once again regained its balloon stack, while the steam- and sail-driven ship was shorn of its funnel.

In 2005, a colorized version of the nameplate made its debut. The steam engine once again regained its balloon stack, while the steam- and sail-driven ship was shorn of its funnel. (Baltimore Sun)

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The Sun 2008 to today

In 2008, the vignette was redesigned, once again keeping stylized versions of the main elements of previous versions.

In 2008, the vignette was redesigned, once again keeping stylized versions of the main elements of previous versions. (Baltimore Sun)

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