The Great Seal of the United States of America is a symbol of what our nation was founded on. There is great meaning and symbolism in the design that I have always wanted to learn more about it.
On July 4, 1776, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams were charged to form a committee to design the Great Seal for the newly established United States of America. These were after all three founding fathers, surely they would be able to come up with a seal that would capture the essence of our nation. Pierre Eugène Du Simitière was chosen to assist the founding fathers in transforming their visions into the seal. Creating seals wasn’t new to Du Simitière, he has a background in heraldry and designed the state seals for Delaware and …show more content…
The eagle symbol is incorporated into the final seal. This seal also depicts a shield that is supported by two people. On one side a warrior stands at the ready, on the other side a woman stands with a dove. The woman is said to represent the “Genius of the American Confederated Republic”, the dove is “emblematical of Innocence and Virtue” ("Third Committee 's Design For The Great Seal - 1782" 2016). The shield displays thirteen stars and stripes which continue to represent the thirteen original states. In the middle of the shield there is a phoenix. This phoenix not only symbolizes rebirth, but the rebirth of liberty by Britain’s progeny in America. Barton includes two mottos on the front. Above is: In Vindiciam Libertatis – “In Defense of Liberty”. Below is: Virtus sola invicta – “Only Virtue Unconquered”. The reverse side of the seal has a pyramid containing thirteen steps. Shining down from above is the Eye of Providence. Barton claimed the steps represented strength. Again, Barton uses two mottos, one above and one below the pyramid. “Deo Favente” meaning “With God’s Favor”, and below “Perennis” which means “Everlasting”. Barton’s designs were seen as being too complex and on May 9, 1782, Congress decided not to move forward ("Third Committee 's Design For The Great Seal - 1782"
On July 4, 1776, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams were charged to form a committee to design the Great Seal for the newly established United States of America. These were after all three founding fathers, surely they would be able to come up with a seal that would capture the essence of our nation. Pierre Eugène Du Simitière was chosen to assist the founding fathers in transforming their visions into the seal. Creating seals wasn’t new to Du Simitière, he has a background in heraldry and designed the state seals for Delaware and …show more content…
The eagle symbol is incorporated into the final seal. This seal also depicts a shield that is supported by two people. On one side a warrior stands at the ready, on the other side a woman stands with a dove. The woman is said to represent the “Genius of the American Confederated Republic”, the dove is “emblematical of Innocence and Virtue” ("Third Committee 's Design For The Great Seal - 1782" 2016). The shield displays thirteen stars and stripes which continue to represent the thirteen original states. In the middle of the shield there is a phoenix. This phoenix not only symbolizes rebirth, but the rebirth of liberty by Britain’s progeny in America. Barton includes two mottos on the front. Above is: In Vindiciam Libertatis – “In Defense of Liberty”. Below is: Virtus sola invicta – “Only Virtue Unconquered”. The reverse side of the seal has a pyramid containing thirteen steps. Shining down from above is the Eye of Providence. Barton claimed the steps represented strength. Again, Barton uses two mottos, one above and one below the pyramid. “Deo Favente” meaning “With God’s Favor”, and below “Perennis” which means “Everlasting”. Barton’s designs were seen as being too complex and on May 9, 1782, Congress decided not to move forward ("Third Committee 's Design For The Great Seal - 1782"