Eagle 1935 - 1942

Flora Merchant created this ‘Eagle’ painting, its date currently unknown, using watercolor and graphite on paper. Born in 1855, Merchant lived through a transformative period in American history marked by industrialization, urbanization, and evolving social norms. The eagle, clutching a shield reminiscent of the American flag, embodies national pride. In the late 19th century, the eagle became a potent symbol of American identity and manifest destiny. It reflected the nation’s growing ambition and its projection of power on the global stage. The symbolism here is hard to ignore as it could relate to the complex narratives of citizenship, belonging, and exclusion that shaped American society during Merchant's lifetime. Merchant’s detailed rendering suggests not just observation but perhaps an emotional investment in the image. ‘Eagle’ invites reflection on how national symbols shape our personal and collective identities.