SPREADWINGED AMERICAN EAGLE SILK NEEDLEWORK Ca 1882
thread on silk Framed> 26 3/4″ x 24 1/2″
Unframed 21″ x 18 3/4″
Presented is a masterfully stitched needlework of our
national symbol, the American Eagle, as adopted in 1782 by the Continental Congress. It is a carefully crafted
rendering of a eagle with spread wings perched on two crossed flags and a shield over a green banner with “E. Pluribus
Unum”. The work is on a black silk background in various shades of browns from light tope to dark, and accented with
silver and gold threads with the adopted red, white and blue of our national colors. All framed in magnificent Bird’s
Eye Walnut of the period.
E Pluribus Unum describes an action: Many uniting into
one. An accurate translation of the motto is “Out of many, comes one” – a phrase that elegantly captures
the symbolism on the shield which refers to the union between the States and federal government,
as is further symbolized by the >thirteen stripes on the shield and in American national
flag. Similar framed silk embroidery with flying eagle, flags, and
shield were made for the American fleet so that sailors could send them home as souvenirs from the Orient. They
are offered by Antiquarian Traders, Beverly Hills, CA at prices from $5000 –
$14,000. Nelson A Rockefeller (July 8, 1908 – January
26, 1979), a man of much distinction, 41st vice president of the United States, governor of New York, and life-long collector
and patron of the arts, had a similar needlework eagle in his personal collection.