Swan Ways, a Virginia-based company, presents “The Eagle”, a silk scarf which pays tribute to Napoleon I and brings together a rich tapestry of imperial symbolism and the Napoleonic legend. The scarf's centrepiece is a golden eagle, adopted by Napoleon to represent the new French Empire. As in Ancient Roman iconography, the eagle is a symbol of power and independence. It is set against a background of golden bees, chosen by Napoleon as one of the imperial emblems.
Golden bees were found in the tomb of King Childeric I, King of the Franks, in the fifth century A.D., so by adopting this emblem Napoleon associated his rule with the earliest French kings. The border is framed by laurel wreaths, a symbol of the god Apollo in Greek mythology, and a Roman symbol of military victory.
The corners have other major symbols of Napoleonic lore: the mythical hat, a pairs of swans, the imperial crown, and a coin with the double profile of Napoleon and the empress Josephine. The design also features the Légion d'honneur, established by Napoleon to reward service to the nation, and the iconic imperial monogram, the upper case N.
“The Eagle” was designed by Swan Ways' founder and CEO, Alix Sundquist, and is inspired by her life-long fascination with the Napoleonic legend, starting when, as a young girl in Argentina, she read Emil Ludwig's biography of Napoleon. Sundquist founded Swan Ways in 2006 after traveling and living around the world as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. State Department, including two tours in France.
“The Eagle” limited edition scarf measures 36″ x 36″ and was manufactured in France of 100% finest quality silk with hand-rolled edges. It sells for $225.00 and is available through Swan Ways' web site.
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