Carved Eagle c. 1938

This is Edward L. Loper’s “Carved Eagle,” and the artist has rendered this image in watercolor and graphite on paper. Loper, an African American artist, navigated a world of artistic expression often marked by racial barriers. The eagle, a symbol deeply entwined with American identity, takes on layered meanings when viewed through this lens. What does it mean to depict a symbol of freedom and power when those ideals were historically, and continue to be, unequally distributed? The choice to present the eagle in such detail invites us to consider the complexities of patriotism, race, and representation. This artwork, whether intentionally or not, serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing dialogue about who gets to claim American symbols and what those symbols truly represent. In its quiet way, Loper's "Carved Eagle" speaks volumes about belonging, identity, and the ever-evolving narrative of America.