State of Maine Seal 1935 - 1942

Curator: So, here we have Flora Merchant's rendering of the State of Maine Seal, a pencil drawing on paper made sometime between 1935 and 1942. It's quite the intricate design. What are your first impressions? Editor: My initial reaction is a kind of archaic serenity. It feels like peering into a bygone era, where virtue and industry were openly celebrated in graphic form. It reminds me of old banknotes, all those neoclassical figures promising value, stability and something bigger than themselves. Curator: Absolutely! Seals and emblems have always carried that weight. This one’s composition is fairly symmetrical, bisected by a central pine tree and a reclining deer, with a farmer and a seaman standing to either side. Above is the motto "Dirigo"– "I lead"– with a lone star shining out. What kind of deeper symbolic echoes are you picking up here? Editor: Well, that star immediately draws my attention. Throughout history, the star is a visual constant; it's the embodiment of hope and destiny. To see it emblazoned above “Dirigo” makes me think about aspirations—not just leading, but reaching for something greater. The farmer and the seaman? They symbolize a dedication to labor. One of those figures bears a scythe, and the other rests a hand on an anchor. Together, those icons weave this intricate narrative of earthly industry tied to maritime ambitions. Curator: Interesting. And the inclusion of the pine tree is essential, considering Maine's historical reliance on its lumber industry, right? I always find that connection between natural resources and identity fascinating. Editor: Precisely. It is like the central figure in a family portrait, the rooted strength from which everything else springs. The deer beneath... perhaps a gentler reminder of the wilderness, the resources provided for sustainable livelihood. It’s an element easily overlooked amidst the more industrious elements, a nod to a more harmonious way of existing alongside nature. Curator: I agree, the harmony angle is definitely here. It’s as though the design attempts to meld industry with an idealized image of natural abundance. I wonder how that intention plays out today. Editor: A good question, particularly when viewed through the prism of contemporary understanding regarding ecological awareness. Though this visual lexicon of virtue might appear old-fashioned at first glance, the enduring relevance is precisely how we keep looking at these symbolic expressions as reflections of ourselves, a touchstone in which cultural values echo across time. Curator: Right, we reinterpret their meanings through the lens of present-day anxieties and hopes. Thanks for adding some insightful commentary about our present condition. Editor: My pleasure, any time. I feel like every time you view and analyze an artwork, something special can appear.