New york seal
You're referring to the official seal of the State of New York!
The New York State Seal features a shield with a blue field, surrounded by a wreath of laurel and oak leaves. The shield is divided into four sections, each representing one of the state's four original regions:
- The top left section features a picture of the Roman goddess Minerva, representing wisdom and education.
- The top right section shows a picture of the Roman goddess Liberty, representing freedom and democracy.
- The bottom left section features a picture of the Roman goddess Justice, representing fairness and equality.
- The bottom right section shows a picture of the Roman goddess Agriculture, representing the state's agricultural heritage.
The shield is surrounded by a wreath of laurel and oak leaves, which symbolize honor, achievement, and strength. The seal is often displayed on official documents, such as state licenses and certificates, and is a symbol of the state's authority and legitimacy.
Interestingly, the New York State Seal has undergone several changes since its adoption in 1778. The current design was adopted in 1886, and it has remained largely unchanged since then.