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Great Seal of the U.S. by Joseph Kiselewski
Photo CreditGSA\Malina Moore
Great Seal of the U.S.
Photo CreditGSA\Malina Moore

Great Seal of the U.S.

Year1964
Classification sculpture
Medium painted bronze
Dimensions127 x 118 x 8 in. (322.6 x 299.7 x 20.3 cm)
Credits Commissioned through the Fine Arts in New Federal Buildings Program
Fine Arts Collection
U.S. General Services Administration
  • The monumental bronze bas-relief, "The Great Seal" depicts the emblematic national eagle with spread wings holding a quiver of arrows and a sheath of wheat in his talons.  On a swag at his head is written in raised letters "E Pluribus Unum".  A circular framed shield with raised stars appears at his head.




    At its center, the sculpture measures approximately 118" wide and 127" long.  The thickness varies from 2.75" to 8".  It is inscribed "J. Kiselewski 1962" on the perpendicular edge of the tail.  It is constructed of cast bronze backed with 1/16" bronze/brass sheet that is mechanically attached to the relief by threaded bronze rod.