Public Domain Super Heroes
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Eye of Providence
Dollarnote siegel hq

Real Name

All-Seeing Eye

First Appearance

Original proposed design for the Great Seal of the United States (1776).

Created by

Pierre Eugene du Simitiere

Origin[]

The Eye of Providence or All-Seeing Eye is a symbol depicting an eye, often enclosed in a triangle and surrounded by a ray of light or a halo, intended to represent Providence, as the eye watches over the workers of mankind. It is often seen as a symbol for knowledge, trinity or for a god that "sees all".

It was first proposed as an element of the Great Seal by the first of three design committees in 1776, and is thought to be the suggestion of the artistic consultant, Pierre Eugene du Simitiere. At the time, it was a conventional symbol for God’s benevolent oversight. In 1782, the Eye of Providence was adopted as part of the symbolism featured on the reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States. A well-known example of the Eye of Providence appears on the reverse of the Great Seal of the United States, which is depicted on the United States one-dollar bill.

SealOfTheUS Prototype

Original design the Great Seal of the United States by Simitiere.

In his original proposal to the committee, du Simitiere placed the Eye over shields so as to symbolize each of the original thirteen states of the Union. On the version of the seal that would eventually be approved, the Eye is positioned above an unfinished pyramid of thirteen steps (again symbolizing the original States, but also incorporating the nation's potential for future growth). Such symbolism is explained through the motto that appears above the Eye, annuit cœptis, meaning "He approves [our] undertakings" (or "has approved").

Popular among conspiracy theorists is the claim that the Eye of Providence shown atop an unfinished pyramid on the Great Seal of the United States indicates the influence of Freemasonry in the founding of the United States. However, common Masonic use of the Eye dates to 14 years after the creation of the Great Seal. Furthermore, the only Mason among the members of the various design committees for the Great Seal was Benjamin Franklin, whose ideas for the seal were not adopted. Likewise, various Masonic organizations have explicitly denied any connection to the creation of the Seal.

Notes[]

  • Bill Cipher from Gravity Falls was inspired by Eye of Providence which is most commonly seen on the back of an US $1 Bill.
    • He was initially going to be colored green like the dollar bill, but he resembled a leaf too much, so instead he was given a yellow color.

See Also[]

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