Eagle of Preparedness

Paul Wayland Bartlett, Eagle of Preparedness, 1916, bronze, 12 ¹⁄₄ x 4 ¹⁄₂ x 4 ¹⁄₂ in. (31.2 x 11.3 x 11.3 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Armistead Peter III, 1958.11.18

Free to use

Artwork Details

Title: Eagle of Preparedness
Artist: Paul Wayland Bartlett
Date: 1916
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 12 ¹⁄₄ x 4 ¹⁄₂ x 4 ¹⁄₂ in. (31.2 x 11.3 x 11.3 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Armistead Peter III
Mediums: bronze
Mediums Description: bronze
Classifications: Sculpture
Subjects: Animal — bird — eagle
Allegory — civic — war
Allegory — quality — fortitude
Object Number: 1958.11.18
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1958.11.18

Artwork Description

Paul Wayland Bartlett created Eagle of Preparedness in 1916, soon after the British ship Lusitania was sunk by the Germans. This event sparked a crusade for military “preparedness” in America, as many people realized that entry into World War I was inevitable. With his Eagle, Bartlett showed his support for the Allied cause and the movement to rearm.