-Eagle and Eaglets- or -American Eagle- mechanical bank c. 1883

Curator: The "Eagle and Eaglets" or "American Eagle" mechanical bank, dating back to around 1883, created by Charles M. Henn, stands before us, fashioned from an assemblage of metal, ceramic, and other found materials. Editor: What strikes me first is how overtly illustrative and charming this assemblage is; the monochromatic color palette punctuated with little dabs of brighter tones feels almost quaintly sentimental. Curator: Indeed. This mechanical bank isn’t just a decorative object, it’s a symbol charged with patriotic and familial values. The eagle, a long-standing emblem of the United States, protects its young, the eaglets in the nest. Editor: But even just formally speaking, note how the hard-edged, mechanical eagle perched atop this painted faux-rock pedestal contrasts so vividly with the softer forms of the birds huddled in the nest, how this contrast almost acts as a sort of visual representation of its core functional binary; it's literally where the hard metal money goes. Curator: Absolutely. In 19th-century America, saving was being elevated to the level of virtue, linking the financial well-being of the individual and that of the nation. The eagle's watchful gaze could represent prudence, and maybe even the hope that America, like this eagle, would fiercely protect its own nest and its nest eggs. Editor: It’s fascinating how the use of these mixed materials and decorative embellishments further enhances the overall design, doesn’t it? It creates an odd sense of dynamism even though, or perhaps precisely because it’s completely still. It becomes more than just a bank. Curator: You're right. It invites us to ponder our cultural memory of prosperity and vigilance, of family and fortune, all housed within a sculpture meant to encourage the future success of its owners, especially, the very children it depicts. Editor: A small thing containing so much history and promise. Curator: Precisely; it's interesting how even small items reflect greater aspirations.