Eagle 1870 - 1900

Editor: This eye-catching sculpture, "Eagle," crafted between 1870 and 1900 by John Haley Bellamy, really commands attention. The way the wood is carved to mimic the feathers is fascinating! What strikes you most about this piece? Curator: I am immediately drawn to the geometric rigor underlying the apparent naturalism. Observe how the wings, while seemingly organic, are meticulously structured into radiating segments. Note too, the stark contrast between the rounded form of the eagle's head and the sharp, angularity of its beak. It seems Bellamy is using geometry to evoke both life and an abstract representation. Editor: That's a really interesting perspective. I was just seeing a patriotic symbol. Curator: Consider how the shield is framed with rigid symmetry, emphasizing the flags. This formal arrangement highlights the iconic design, distilling it to its essential, almost diagrammatic components. The material itself also deserves contemplation: the carved wood, neither polished to perfection nor left entirely raw. Instead it’s given a surface with strategic tool markings. Editor: So you’re focusing less on the ‘eagle’ itself and more on the artistic decisions. Why? Curator: Exactly! The form resonates powerfully. By emphasizing its visual and material properties, we might view it as an exploration of structure, balance, and symbolic representation rather than simply a carving of a bird. The artist draws from different historical styles as well. Is this a successful example of form following function, or something else entirely? What are your thoughts? Editor: I hadn’t considered the interplay of shapes so much. Thanks, that’s given me a lot to think about! Curator: My pleasure. Examining its materiality and structure allows for a deeper engagement.