Images(2)

Eagle

Date19th century

Artist/Maker John Bellamy 1836 - 1914

OriginAmerica, New England

MediumPaint, white pine, ferrous metal

DimensionsOverall: 6 11/16 × 25 × 4 7/16 in, 0.9 lb. (17 × 63.5 × 11.2cm, 0.4 kg)

Credit LineGift of the John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, Fund, Inc., through the generosity and interest of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, and members of the family

Object number1979.701.3

DescriptionEagle with outspread wings. Head is turned right and talons clutch US shield. Painted white overall with red accents on eye, beak, and strip on shield. Shield also has a blue bar with a inset carved star.Label TextJohn Haley Bellamy was born on April 5, 1836 in Kittery, York County, Maine to Charles and Francis Keen Bellamy. He began his career as a ship's carver at the age of 21 in Boston, where he served as an apprentice for six years. During the Civil War, he worked at the Portsmouth Navy Yard carving figureheads for warships. Today, Bellamy is best remembered for his carvings of eagles. He carved large eagles, like this example, as well as small ones, all of which would have been mounted above doorways on ships and public buildings. Some of his eagles even carried carved banners painted with words or phrases, such as another example in the collection which reads “Carpe Diem.” Bellamy’s popularity led to many copycats throughout the late 19th and early 20th century.

One of several examples of Bellamy's work that Abby Aldrich Rockefeller owned during her lifetime, this piece was featured on the cover of the Art of the Common Man exhibition catalog.ProvenanceCollection of Mr. & Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd. Purchased at Downtown Gallery, June 3, 1931. Given to C.W.F. in 1979.