Front view of the plaster model for the "Great Seal of the United States"

Front view of the plaster model for the "Great Seal of the United States"

Artists' studios--United States.
Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998
Relief (Art)

The medal features an American eagle, with an escutcheon, or shield, on its breast symbolizes self-reliance. The thirteen vertical stripes on the escutcheon derive from the flag of 1777. The eagle grasps an olive branch with 13 leaves and 13 olives in its right talon and 13 arrows in its left talon.

The eagle prefers to live in peace but can wage war. In its beak is a scroll. Above the eagle’s head is the 13-star "new constellation" of the 1777 flag enclosed in a glory, or golden radiance, breaking through a cloud.

Hartwick, Maurice C.

Marshall M. Fredericks Papers
Series V, Box 14 Folder 22

n.d.

Use of this image requires permission from the creator.

V-14-22

image/jpeg

Image

0870

Royal Oak (Mich.)

Color print

8" x 10"