American Eagle Smithsonian CC0 with digital variations by Ken Harley

 

unknown

Description

In the nineteenth century, volunteer fire companies often commissioned paintings to decorate their hand-pumped fire engines for parades, competitions, and community events. Sometimes framed with elaborate carvings, they adorned the tall air chamber located at the middle or rear of a pumper. The paintings would often feature patriotic, heroic, or allegorical images to associate the volunteer companies with these lofty ideals.

This painting belonged to the Eagle Fire Engine Company No. 13 of New York, New York that was active from 1783 until 1865. The oil painting was created by an unknown artist around 1863. The image consists of an eagle perched on a globe, with an American flag and Phrygian cap on the flagpole. The cap is also known as a liberty cap, a symbol of freedom from tyranny. The fire company named itself after the eagle, the national bird of the United States. The imagery of the eagle connotes patriotism as well as the eagle’s history as a symbol of strength and immortality. This painting and its companion (2005.0233.0311) would have adorned either side of the company’s engine.

Location

Currently not on view

Credit Line

Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection

ca 1863

ID Number

2005.0233.0310

accession number

2005.0233

catalog number

2005.0233.0310

Object Name

painting, engine panel

Physical Description

wood (overall material)

oil paint (image material)

Measurements

overall: 27 in x 29 in; 68.58 cm x 73.66 cm

used

United States: New York, New York City

See more items in

Cultural and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement

Work

Cultures & Communities

Art

Engine Panel Paintings

Firefighting Collection

National Museum of American History

subject

Fire Fighting

Record ID

nmah_1341236

Metadata Usage (text)

CC0