Great Seal of the United States, [Plaster]
Dublin Core
Title
Great Seal of the United States, [Plaster]
Description
Plaster mold rendition of the Great Seal of the United States. Plaster, galvanized pipe, sisal, and three plaster mold rims. The yellowish discoloring is from shellac used to seal the plaster.
Fredericks created a Rendition of the Great Seal of the United States for the American Embassy in London, England. This mold shows the intricate detail of the original clay model along with its three rims. The plaster model made from this mold is on display in the Main Exhibit Gallery on the east wall.
The use of shellac as a releasing agent discolors the surface. Note that the crack above the constellation of 13 stars and darker area in the olive branch foliage are filled in with darker clay. The reverse side shows plaster mixed with sisal, a stiff plant fiber that holds it to the piping. The piping acts as an armature or support structure.
Great Seal symbols include the eagle, official symbol of the US that means power and strength; 13 stars forming a constellation, denotes a new State taking place and rank among other sovereign powers; the shield of 13 stripes for the 13 original colonies; the olive branch which notes the power of peace; the 13 arrows denote the power of war; a cloud around the constellation, expressive of divine presence and command; 13 stripes, arrows, and stars represent the 13 original colonies. (Resource: www.greatseal.com)
Fredericks created a Rendition of the Great Seal of the United States for the American Embassy in London, England. This mold shows the intricate detail of the original clay model along with its three rims. The plaster model made from this mold is on display in the Main Exhibit Gallery on the east wall.
The use of shellac as a releasing agent discolors the surface. Note that the crack above the constellation of 13 stars and darker area in the olive branch foliage are filled in with darker clay. The reverse side shows plaster mixed with sisal, a stiff plant fiber that holds it to the piping. The piping acts as an armature or support structure.
Great Seal symbols include the eagle, official symbol of the US that means power and strength; 13 stars forming a constellation, denotes a new State taking place and rank among other sovereign powers; the shield of 13 stripes for the 13 original colonies; the olive branch which notes the power of peace; the 13 arrows denote the power of war; a cloud around the constellation, expressive of divine presence and command; 13 stripes, arrows, and stars represent the 13 original colonies. (Resource: www.greatseal.com)
Creator
Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998
Date
1960
Rights
Use of this image requires permission from the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum
Type
Sculpture
Relief Sculpture
Relief Sculpture
Coverage
University Center (Mich.)
Mold Item Type Metadata
Physical Dimensions
65" dia
Materials
Plaster
Metal
Metal
Catalog Number
2000.012.001
Object Location
Storage Room B - F1
Provenance
4/5/1994 Stall B
02/29/2000 gifted to MFSM
02/29/2000 gifted to MFSM
Files
Citation
Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998, “Great Seal of the United States, [Plaster],” Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, accessed April 19, 2024, https://omeka.svsu.edu/items/show/5531.