Shop and Warehouse of Duncan Phyfe, 168–172 Fulton Street, New York City 1817 - 1820

John Rubens Smith painted Duncan Phyfe's shop and warehouse on Fulton Street in New York City, capturing the classical architectural elements of its facade. On the left, atop the building, we see a pediment with an eagle, a symbol resonating with power, empire, and divine authority. The eagle, as a motif, takes us back to ancient Rome, where it symbolized imperial strength, and further back still to its association with Zeus, king of the gods in Greek mythology. This symbol has been reimagined and recontextualized throughout history, adorning coats of arms, emblems of state, and even commercial brands. The persistence of such symbols suggests a collective memory, a deep-seated attraction to archetypes of power. In the context of Phyfe's shop, the eagle is not merely a decorative element, but a potent symbol of American identity, economic prosperity, and the aspiration to link a burgeoning commercial enterprise with the grandeur of past empires. It evokes a feeling of national pride, reminding us of the psychological power embedded in visual symbols.