A Fine Carved American Bald Eagle

Black Forest, Germany, circa 1850

A finely carved sculpture of an American bald eagle, with wings outswept, perched on a rocky outcrop ready for flight.

In 1782, the bald eagle became the national bird of the United States, and was placed with outspread wings on the nation’s Great Seal. Prior to even that, the bald eagle made its first appearance in 1776, on the Massachusetts copper cent coined. Since the eighteenth century, the bald eagle has become an increasingly ubiquitous symbol of the United States.

This particular eagle is a Black Forest carving, from the 19^th Century. The tradition of Black Forest carvings began in Brienz, Switzerland, at that time.

Whilst they began as a local craft, the carvings soon became internationally fashionable. During their apotheosis, the carvings became symbols of wealth for Europe’s elite, and owning one was often the sign of a well-travelled Victorian household.

Much like the greatest Black Forest carvings, this one is finely detailed, and is singed on the underside of the base. And much like the eagle of the Great Seal, this one has its wings outspread, and its head turned to the right. Its eyes are focused, perhaps on prey.

Each of the eagle’s feathers are scored, forming a majestic and imposing wingspan. Similarly, the eagle’s claws are sharply carved, and almost pierce the rocky outcrop on which the eagle perches. Beneath the rocky outcrop is a bouquet of flowers. All in all, it appears that this majestic bird is about to leap into flight, on the hunt for its prey.

Dimensions

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance