John Swatsley (American, B. 1937) "Harpy Eagle" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. $5 Official Mail stamp issued January 12, 1983.

In ancient religions, the strong and powerful eagle symbolized the protective strength of the deities and was the companion of the most important gods. To certain North American Indians, the eagle represented the immortality of their ancestors. Even the Hebrew and the Christian religions find interesting and meaningful symbolism in the soaring flight of the eagle. This magnificent and seemingly effortless flight came to represent to followers of these religions the flight of the soul to heaven and the fulfillment of the messianic promise. Indeed, at different times in history, the eagle has been the banner of the church, the standard of military leaders, and the memorable symbol of the most powerful princes and lords. When the United States chose the eagle as its emblem, it joined the impressive ranks of the world's strongest leaders. But, in the two hundred years since the eagle was chosen as America's emblem, the nation has proved itself indeed worthy to claim the eagle as its emblem.

Image Size: 18.25 x 15.5 in.
Overall Size: 23.75 x 20 in.
Unframed.
(B07877)

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