Eagle c. 1939

Marian Page created this watercolor of an eagle, but when it was made remains unknown. The eagle is a complex symbol, particularly in the United States, evoking freedom, power, and national identity, but it also bears the weight of a complicated history. While the bird embodies ideals of liberty, its image has also been used to justify acts of conquest, dominance and exclusion, impacting Indigenous populations and other marginalized groups. Page’s artistic choice invites us to reflect on the contradictions embedded in national symbols. Consider how the artist employs a delicate medium to depict such a potent emblem. Is there an intimacy or vulnerability suggested in the way it is rendered? This image gently pushes us to consider the diverse narratives and experiences that shape our understanding of American identity.