52nd Annual Delaware Show

After the Great Seal of the United States was adopted, in 1782, images of spread- wing eagles bearing shields became widely popular among Americans of all ethnic backgrounds, including the Pennsylvania Germans (especially those of the Lutheran or Reformed faith). Needlework, furniture, fraktur (decorated manuscripts), and other objects were frequently embellished with patriotic symbols. Schoolmaster Johann Adam Eyer made a reward of merit for one of his students featuring a large spread-wing eagle. He added a distinctively Germanic twist by substituting a bunch of flowering tulips for the olive branch normally held in the eagle’s talons; otherwise, he attempted a faithful rendition (fig. 3) . Fig. 3. Drawing of an American eagle, attributed to Johann Adam Eyer, probably Monroe County, Pa., ca. 1800. Watercolor and ink on wove paper, 3¼ x 3½ in. Museum purchase with funds provided by the Henry Francis du Pont Collectors Circle 2013.31.53 — 147 —