Gilded wooden sculpture representing an eagle – Italy 18th century

Carved and gilded wood from the 18th century, representing an eagle with outstretched wings, head in profile.
The abundant and downy plumage, the expression without any aggressiveness gives this bird of prey an impression combining power and gentleness in the right balance.
Holding a coat of arms in its claws, it certainly illustrates the arms of a family or a city (italian ?)

Dimensions with base
H. 42 cm x L. 33 cm x D. 24 cm
Height without base: 35 cm

Italy
Original gilding
18th century period
Posterior base

The eagle in decorative arts

Eagles are often depicted in art in the form of sculptures, paintings, drawings, jewelry.
Used as an emblem since antiquity, this bird symbolized the soul flying from the body after death. The eagle is also the bird of the gods in ancient cultures. In Egyptian art, he was associated with the god Horus and depicted with a crown, a symbol of royalty. In Greek and Roman art, the eagle was often associated with Zeus or Jupiter, the king of the gods. In Christian art, the eagle was often used to represent Saint John the Evangelist, due to its ability to fly high and be able to look the sun in the face, a symbol of divine vision.
Native Americans also have a strong artistic tradition linked to the eagle, which they consider a symbol of truth, courage, the embodiment of divine force and transcendence. They often depicted the eagle in their paintings, sculptures and jewelry.
In modern art, the eagle is often used as the national symbol of many countries such as the United States, Mexico, Germany, Austria and Poland, among others.