Maryland State Seal

The Great Seal of the State of Maryland, the official government emblem of Maryland, serves to authenticate acts by the state's General Assembly and is displayed at most government buildings. It has a dual-sided design, but the reverse side is primarily used in official contexts. Throughout history, the seal has undergone multiple design changes, with the current model representing the original reverse side. The obverse side features Lord Baltimore as a knight on horseback with his family coat of arms and an inscription in Latin. The reverse side displays the Calvert arms, with supporters symbolizing a plowman and a fisherman. The state motto, "Fatti maschii, parole femine," means "Strong deeds, gentle words" and is in Italian, making Maryland unique among states. The Latin text encircling the seal is a biblical verse. The founding date of 1632 completes the seal's design, which is displayed prominently on state government buildings, including the Maryland State House in Annapolis.