How Old is the University Seal?

Logos may come and logos may go, but U of L's ageless Minerva has glared at successive generations of students, faculty and friends since at least the early 1850s. Not insensitive to fashion, however, our Roman goddess of wisdom more than once has restyled her hair, replaced her warlike bonnet and adorned herself with ever-older founding dates: first 1846, then 1837, and since the late 1940s, 1798. The current university seal, shown to the right, has been used since the early 1950s.

The University seal's current depiction was designed by Vienna-born Kentucky artist Victor Hammer, who also designed the seals long used by the City of Louisville and the Louisville Free Public Library.

The evolution of the University of Louisville seal:

Early Minerva seal. Note the founding date of 1846. Used until the 1950s.

 

Minerva seal, making a claim to 1798 as a charter date, but acknowledging an "incorporation" date of 1846. It is not clear when or where this seal was used.

Minerva seal from 1940 yearbook, laying claim to the 1837 founding date.

Minerva seal, simply stating "1798," used in early to mid-1950s.