Eagle

An emblem of American resolve and independence, the eagle was very popular during the eighteenth century and Rush carved several images of the bird. This one was made from six separate pieces of wood. A wire, set deep within the head and visible in the mouth indicates a provision for something to be held in the eagle’s beak. While there is no documentary evidence to link this eagle with William Rush, the carving and joinery are consistent with his technique. The detailed carving of the feathers is similar to that of the eagle he carved in 1811 for Saint John’s Lutheran Church and of Exhortation and Praise in Saint Peter’s Church, Philadelphia.