Bird of Freedom 1942

Curator: Here we have Stow Wengenroth's lithograph, "Bird of Freedom." Wengenroth, born in 1906, specialized in landscapes and seascapes, but here, he gives us a powerful national symbol. Editor: The detail is just striking. The texture of the feathers, the way the light catches the eagle’s eye – it feels almost hyperreal. Curator: The bald eagle, of course, has become intrinsically linked with American identity and power since its adoption in 1782. The flag backdrop certainly reinforces that association. Editor: It's fascinating how Wengenroth translates the textures of the flag and feathers into lithographic marks. You can almost feel the weight of the paper itself contributing to the image's gravity. Curator: The image clearly taps into a patriotic sentiment, though perhaps also prompts reflection on the complexities of that patriotism. Editor: Seeing the hand of the artist so clearly in this print makes the symbolism feel more tangible, more grounded. Curator: Indeed, it invites us to consider the layers of meaning embedded in such potent national symbols. Editor: It really makes you appreciate the skill involved in creating such a detailed image through lithography.