Watercolor of the Society of the Cincinnati Eagle
ca. 1780s
Paper, watercolor paint
Traditional Interpretation
This watercolor was designed by French architect Pierre L’Enfant (1754-1828), best known for designing Washington, D.C., and became the insignia of the Society of the Cincinnati. The Society is America’s oldest veterans’ organization, created in 1783 to encourage fellowship among its members and perpetuate the memory of Revolutionary War veterans. The insignia contains a blue and white ribbon representing the union between France and America during the Revolution and the Society’s motto, Omnia Relinquit Servare Rempublicam, which translates to “He abandons everything to serve his country.”
Contemporary Interpretation
While the Society’s purpose is honorable, it was quite controversial in the eighteenth century. Membership was limited to officers of the Continental Army and their first-born sons. The hereditary component was based on the system of primogeniture used by the British monarchy the Revolution was fought against and was opposed by many, including Thomas Jefferson and New Hampshire General John Stark. The Society excluded members of the militia and lower ranking soldiers of the Army, which was counter to the democratic ideals of the Revolution. While George Washington had reservations, he did accept membership, becoming the Society’s first President General and receiving the Diamond Eagle, a jeweled insignia created for him. The Diamond Eagle has been worn by every President General that succeeded Washington.
