EAGLE RISING
Artwork by Cy Hundley
A 21st-Century Realization of America's Original
Vision of Freedom, Peace, and Unity
This is the first time that a fully realized painting has been created from Charles Thomson's original 1782 description and sketch (right) of his design for "an American Eagle on the wing and rising."
Secretary of the Continental Congress for its entire 15 years, Thomson was chosen to come up with a suitable design for the Great Seal after three different committees since 1776 had failed to do so. He made this preliminary drawing of his design a few days before a slightly revised version (different shield pattern) was adopted as America's Great Seal on June 20, 1782.
No new artwork was created, so Thomson's sketch is our only direct graphic link to the Great Seal as originally envisioned.
The American eagle's stronger right talon clutches an olive branch which Thomson said symbolized "the power of peace." The Eagle carries a message of unity, E pluribus unum.
Except for the shield's pattern of stripes, this artwork is an accurate realization of the Great Seal because it correctly shows the rays of light breaking through the clouds, as well as the constellation of stars in a natural formation.
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During the spring of 2004, artist Cy Hundley consulted with John D. MacArthur to ensure the artwork conveyed the detail and spirit of Charles Thomson's vision. In October that year, a signed giclee print was given to Harriton House (Charles Thomson's home in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania) at the culmination of its 300th anniversary celebration when MacArthur gave a slide presentation about the Great Seal.
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Visit Harriton House.
Eagle Rising ©2004 JDM/GreatSeal.com