#double headed eagle

[esoteric-images]

[illustratus]

[butterlaneantiques]

The Double Headed Eagle: From Paris to Rome

The double headed eagle as a heraldic emblem dates back to Roman times. The consul Marius first consecrated the eagle (single-headed variety) which became the standard at the head of every Roman army, and was adopted as the symbol of imperial power. On the division of the Empire into Eastern and Western (Constantinople and Rome respectively), and its subsequant restoration by the Carlovignians into what became known as the Holy Roman Empire, the double headed eagle naturally became representative of this double empire, and has been used throughout European history in this role ever since - notably by the emperors of Germany (who claimed their empire to be a continuation of ancient Rome, hence Kaiser) and Russia (who claimed a double empire once Poland was added to her own, hence Czar/Tzar). I believe this particular rendering of the double headed eagle is masonic, however, specifically relating to the Parisian Order of the Council of Emperors of the East and West. From freemasonry.bcy.ca:

"The double-headed eagle was probably first introduced as a symbol into Freemasonry in the year 1758. In that year the Body calling itself the Council of Emperors of the East and West was established in Paris. The double-headed eagle as likely to have been assumed by this Council in reference to the double Jurisdiction which it claimed, and which is represented so distinctly in its title. The jewel of the Thirty-third Degree, or Sovereign Grand Inspector-General of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, is a double-headed eagle (which was originally black, but is now generally of silver), a golden crown resting on both heady wings displayed, beak and claws of gold, his talons grasping a wavy sword, the emblem of cherubic fire, the hilt held by one talon, the blade by the other. The banner of the Order is also a double-headed eagle crowned."

Remarkable for both its size and its craftsmanship, the double headed eagle pendant above dates from the mid Victorian era. With wings outstretched, the bird is crowned and clutches a sword in its talons. Exquisite feather detailing covers both the back and front, with individual feathers rendered, and eyes set with striking red garnet cabochons. The base of the crown is hinged, allowing the eagle to sit naturally when worn, and a full set of English hallmarks confirm sterling silver and date it to 1876.

[medievalistsnet]

The double-headed eagle as a symbol in the Byzantine Empire: myths and realities - Medievalists.net

After the Holy Cross, perhaps no other symbol has been associated more closely with the history and fate of the Byzantine Empire than the double-headed eagle motif

[carolathhabsburg]

Diamond and sapphire brooch with the imperial double headed eagle. Russia, 1900s (decade)

[sebastocrat]

[sebastocrat]

[sebastocrat]