Plaque

Title:

Emblem of the Society of the Cincinnati

Object Name:

Plaque

Creator:

Unknown

Date:

1900-1950

Material:

Glass plate, glass, wood, acrylic paint

Dimensions:

H-4.75 L-21 Dia-7 inches

Description:

Framed round emblem of the Society of the Cincinnati. It appears to be painted in eglomise style on glass. The painting features thirteen white stars above a white eagle with gilded wings, legs and feet, with laurel leaves above his head, and in his claws, in front of his tail. On the banner at the bottom, "ESTO PERPETUA" and in the circle surrounding the painting of Cincinnatus, "OMNIA RELIQUIT SERVARE REMPUBLICAM" which means "He left everything to save the republic." In a round wooden frame.

Provenance:

Founded in 1783 the Society of the Cincinnati, the members adopted the Bald Eagle as its insigne. It is one of America's first post-revolution symbols. As the second official emblem to represent America as the Bald Eagle, the Society of the Cincinnati implanted it onto their medals, certificates, porcelain, and flags. Major Pierre L'Enfant suggested that the Bald Eagle be made the insignia. In 1783, L'Enfant was commissioned to travel to France to have the first Eagle badges made. The emblem represented a symbol of honor that members received when they join.

Subjects:

Plaques, Emblems, Insignia

Place of Origin:

United States

Collection Name:

Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire

Item Number:

1990.216

Accession Number:

1990.216

Type of Material:

Objects

Copyright Statement:

For information regarding copyright, permissions, and reproductions contact the American Independence Museum

Credit Line:

American Independence Museum

Participating Organization:

American Independence Museum