The eagle was and is of extraordinary importance in the mythology and art of the ancient, oriental, Greek and Roman worlds; it was considered a divine bird and messenger of Jupiter. It was also depicted fighting and catching the snake; it was the emblem of the Roman legions and played a central role in the representations of the Roman Empire.

Ancient writers described him in poems and natural history treatises and even attributed legendary qualities to him. His high and fast flight made him a bridge between heaven and earth; legends say he could not be struck by lightning, he could stare at the sun without being blinded by it, and in old age he flew towards the sun, then dived into the water three times and emerged rejuvenated.

Among the various depictions, that of the eagle seizing the serpent is a clear reference to the victory of good over evil and an ever-present reminder of it.