The “Eye of Providence” is a symbol displaying an eye often within a triangle and encircled with rays of light and/or with clouds. “It is sometimes interpreted as representing the eye of God watching over humankind (or divine providence).” [1] It has a long history, found in settings both secular and religious; a controversial symbol as there are various interpretations about its origins and meaning—some seeing it as good, and others associating it with evil.
Focusing on what we concretely can see, the “Eye of Providence” is commonly viewed on the back of $1 bills as part of the Great Seal of the United States, on the coat of arms of Brasłaŭ, Belarus and Kalvarija, Lithuania; the seal of the State of Colorado, The University of Mississippi, University of Chile, and elsewhere.
Top: A beautiful tattoo of the all-seeing eye of God by BANG BANG.
Butterflies and divine light; ink by Jonny Breeze.
The minimalist “Eye of Providence” by Valentin Hirsh.
Another one by Hirsch, this time he stacks graphical elements like a totem pole.
Simple and elegant: the linework of Turkish artist Bicem Sinik.
Black outlining, no shading; the beautiful chest piece by Thomas Hooper.
A stormy neo-traditional design by David J. Wilson.
Left: Another amazing eye by BANG BANG (NYC). Right: The geometric, metaphysical tattoo of Thomas Sinnamond (via Tattrx).
The otherworldly, surrealist art of Ien Levin.
Double vision: “Eye of Providences” by Chaim Machlev.
Spiritual stag by Miguel Lepage from Saving Grace Tattoo studio.
Webography: 1. "Eye of Providence." Wikipedia. Retrieved on November 16, 2015. "Eye of Providence." About Religion.
All tattoos © respective artists.