Eagle 1938

Ethel Clarke rendered this watercolor of an eagle, revealing a potent symbol that soars through the annals of history. The eagle, with its commanding presence, extends far beyond mere avian representation. From the standards of ancient Rome to modern heraldry, it signifies power, courage, and divine authority. Think of Zeus, the king of the gods, often depicted with his loyal eagle, or the American bald eagle, a national emblem. The motif embodies a striving for higher ideals and a connection to spiritual realms. Consider how the eagle’s image has persisted, adapted, and been imbued with new meanings, reflecting our collective subconscious need for symbols of strength and protection. Its continued presence in our visual language highlights how deeply rooted these archetypes are, constantly reshaping themselves to mirror the evolving human experience.