Great Seal > Symbols > Eye The Eye of Providence "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor." – Closing sentence of the Declaration of Independence The eye was originally suggested by Pierre Du Simitière, the consultant and artist on the first Great Seal committee appointed July 4, 1776. He specified: "The Eye of Providence in a radiant Triangle whose Glory extends over the Shield and beyond the Figures." This design was not approved by Congress, but six years later the third committee suggested the eye for the reverse side of the Great Seal: "A Pyramid of thirteen Strata... In the Zenith, an Eye, surrounded with a Glory." Charles Thomson liked Barton's design, but put a triangle around the eye and created two new mottoes. Congress approved his reverse design: "A Pyramid unfinished. In the Zenith an Eye in a triangle surrounded with a glory... Over the Eye these words Annuit Cœptis." (Zenith means more than apex or summit. It also suggests a highest point or state; culmination.") According to Thomson's explanation: the Eye and "the Motto allude to the many signal interpositions of providence in favour of the American cause." What better symbol than an eye to represent a watchful and vigilant, protective and loving, omniscient God? The human eye is a marvelous creation, one that certainly suggests the work of a Creator, as noted in many religions and cultures. NOTE The official description of the Great Seal does not specify a left or right eye. It is simply referred to as a single eye. The designers of the Great Seal did not call it an "all-seeing eye." They referred to it as the "eye of Providence." And they never called it the "eye of Horus." Recognize myths and misinformation about the pyramid & eye. Explore GreatSeal.com. Feel the inspiration America's founders experienced. Main sections of the site's 76 pages Examine the other SYMBOLS on the Seal's Two Sides: Dynamic imagery from nature and history. Includes clickable image map. Learn the origin and meaning of the Great Seal's Three MOTTOES: Small phrases with big repercussions. See Preliminary DESIGNS for the Great Seal: Ideas suggested by three committees (1776-1782). Recognize MYTH and Misinformation: Don't let America's emblem become a casualty of lore. See why PEACE is Patriotic: "The power of peace" as a founding principle. Great Seal SIGHTINGS: American symbols in the news, wise and otherwise. Get an overview on the Front Page. Look on the bright side of America. VISIT the Great Seal Gift Shop for T-Shirts and Posters.