Coverlet (U.S. Seal) 1936

This coverlet, featuring the U.S. Seal, was made by J. Howard Iams, whose life spanned from the mid-19th to the late 20th century. While the exact date is unknown, its imagery invites us to consider the cultural and political landscape of its time. The prominent display of the U.S. Seal, complete with the iconic eagle and the motto "E Pluribus Unum," speaks to a particular moment in American history. The question remains as to what the image evokes. Is it patriotism and national identity? Or does it signal something more complicated? To what extent did the artist want to celebrate or challenge US values? To understand this coverlet better, we might research the artist's life, the textile industry, and the political uses of national symbols. Each of these paths offers a richer appreciation of its historical and cultural significance.