| Object ID |
1962.304 |
| Object Name |
Carving |
| Dimensions |
H-29 W-60 inches |
| Early Date |
1798 |
| Late Date |
1802 |
| Made By |
Simeon and John Skillen (Skillings) |
| Description |
Carved gravestones, mastheads, shop-signs and other advertising figures, along with architectural ornamentation, were the earliest forms of sculpture in America. This vigorous and fierce-appearing eagle, symbol of the young American republic, was probably carved in the early 1800s. For many years it has been attributed to Simeon Skillin, Sr. (1716-1778) or one of his sons, the most prominent carvers in Boston in the second half of the 18th century. These craftsmen were of such distinction that they represented the carver's trade in a procession of artisans, tradesmen and manufacturers celebrating George Washington's first visit to Boston as President in November of 1879. Current scholarship suggest, however, that the naturalistic and expressive nature of this carving distinguishes it from the work of the Skillins, who produced more emblematic figures, and that it may be the work instead, of a carver who trained at the Skillin workshop (at least one journeyman who worked for the Skillins in the 1790s left for the West Indies and his work has never been documented), or perhaps studied with Willliam Rush (1756-1833) of Philadelphia. An eagle made by Rush in circa 1810 (now in the collection of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts), of similar size, nobility and grandeur, may have been the inspiration for this carving. Although the maker of this eagle is as yet unidentified, its use is clear. It was made to be seen from below, undoubtedly to be hung on a high wall or over the doorway of a public building. According to tradition, this sculpture once graced a structure in Newport, Rhode Island. |
| Credit |
Gift of Mr. Hall Park McCullough |
|
