INTERPRETATION OF THE NYS SEAL (courtesy of Wiki-pedia):    

According to Joseph Gavit in New York History, Volume XXXI, the seal symbolizes the following:

• In the center, a shield reveals the sun rising behind Mount Beacon over the Hudson River. “The shield symbolizes in the full sun the name and idea of Old York and the old world; the mountains, river and meadow, with the ships, convey the name and idea of New York in the new world.”
• To the right, Justice is ready to fight tyranny with her sword held high.
• Liberty on the left, holds her foot on the overthrown English Crown. “This New York is supported by Justice and Liberty, and discards monarchy.”
• The world globe is displayed above the shield. “By exhibiting the eastern and western continents on the globe, the old and new are brought together;”
• Above the world globe soars the eagle. “while the eagle on the crest proclaims,” Westward the course of empire takes its way.”
• The bottom ribbon exclaims “Excelsior,” which means “still higher” or “ever upward.”