In relation to the main heraldic symbol of the US capital, it is more correct to use the term seal, and not the coat of arms of Washington. The second mistake is to consider it a sign of the city, in fact, the image is from the District of Columbia, which is written at the top of the image.
Perfect shape
Since we are talking about a seal, and not about a coat of arms, it becomes clear why its shape is a circle, that is, an ideal geometric shape. But, on the other hand, the image contains various elements that are used on the coats of arms of various states and cities of the planet.
One more note concerns the execution technique. Elements of the coat of arms are depicted in a retro style, which immediately reminds of the heroic times of the conquest of America by guests from the Old World. Moreover, none of the residents of Washington has an idea to modernize the print of the district, entrusting the work on it to some eminent artist or designer.
Important symbols and their meaning
A detailed description of the seal of the district can take more than one page, since the composition is very complex, multifaceted, filled with characters, objects and images. The most expressive are the following components:
- on the pedestal - the figure of a man, reminiscent of the first President of the United States;
- a blindfolded female figure with the book "The Constitution" in one hand and a wreath in the other;
- a stylized image of one of the most famous buildings - the Capitol;
- a train crossing the Potomac River;
- eagle, one of the main symbols of America.
The district seal was first adopted in 1871, it had significant differences from today. The main difference was that it was not George Washington that was placed on the pedestal, but the Statue of Liberty. It was for her that the wreath was intended, which the goddess of Justice holds in her right hand. In 1888, instead of a female figure, a male figure appeared, which is positioned as a tribute to the man who was the first to take over as president of the country.
The appearance of the Capitol on the coat of arms of Washington is no coincidence, the history of the construction of the building is also associated with the first leader of the country. In 1873, the leader took part in laying the first stone in the foundation of the building, which became an important part of the architectural appearance of the American capital.
Another important element of the coat of arms is the American eagle, which is at the feet of the goddess of Justice. The bird is depicted standing on the ground with wide-spread wings. A shield painted in the colors of the national flag is attached to her chest, while she holds a white ribbon in her beak.
