Vintage Hand-Carved Wooden Eagle with Shield and Arrows, Circa 1900
Presented is a vintage, Bellamy-style, hand-carved wooden eagle. This early 20th century wood eagle is gilded with a painted red, white, and blue shield. It supports a patriotic shield in its right talon as the head looks to its left. The clutched shield has a blue chief with five white stars. Twelve alternating red and white stripes complete the shield design. In its left talon is a bundle of green-fletched arrows.
When Charles Thomson put together the final design for the Great Seal, he placed a bundle of thirteen arrows in the eagle's left (sinister) talon. The official description specifies the bald eagle holding "in his sinister, a bundle of thirteen arrows." The thirteen arrows are tightly aligned, a symbol of "strength in unity" that's found in the traditional cultures everywhere, from the Romans to the Iroquois. In this case, it was a nod to the unity of the original 13 colonies.
With carved detailed feathers and a dramatic expression, this stylized eagle is an interesting work of art. The relief carving is styled after John Bellamy, a well known folk artist made popular in the late 19th century for his stylized eagles and ship carvings. True to Bellamy’s style, this eagle has a curved neck to mimic the eagle in flight and dramatic eyes.
The eagle motif in décor and folk art has widely been used throughout much of US history and is brimming with meaning. Eagles in decorative and folk art became wildly popular and could be found on ordinary household items from tabletop items, to embroidery, to furniture. This deeply-rooted symbol is still relevant today and is closely tied to the idea of strength, freedom, and wisdom.
CONDITION:
Overall, very good condition. American, circa 1900. Gilt spread-wing eagle grasping arrows and flag. Modern repairs to the left wing and scattered wear to paint. Otherwise very solid construction and original paint is bright and colorful. Back of the eagle is flat, painted black.
Dimensions: 14" H x 42 1/2" W x 3 3/4" D.
Accompanied by ur company's letter of authenticity.
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Vintage Hand-Carved Wooden Eagle with Shield and Arrows, Circa 1900
Colorado
1 Lake Avenue
Colorado Springs CO 80906
United States
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