Hand-Carved Gilt Wood Perched American Eagle

Presented is a hand-carved and hand-gilded wooden eagle figure. The eagle is American made and dates to the mid-19th century. The eagle is presented with spread wings and a cocked head, looking left. The eagle's talons grip a cluster of rocks; the rocks also serve as a base for the sculpture.

The bald eagle is both the national bird and the national animal of the United States. The eagle motif has been widely used throughout our nation's history, most notably as part of our Great Seal. The founders of the United States were fond of comparing their new republic with the Roman Republic, in which eagle imagery, usually the golden eagle, was prominent. On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the design for the Great Seal of the United States depicting a bald eagle grasping 13 arrows and an olive branch with its talons. This statue is inspired by the symbolic history of the bald eagle, combining the powerful natural beauty of the bird with the patriotic symbol of freedom and strength.

This 19th century eagle comes from a private Nashville, Tennessee collection of antique Americana.

CONDITION:

This eagle is in very good condition. Eagle has had recent conservation and restoration to stabilize the right wing, in-painting in two areas on the eagle's body and one top left wing, and fill and in-painting on end of tail feather.

Eagle Dimensions: 15 1/2" H x 29" W x 8" D.