United States Capitol Building, Capitol Dome, Capitol Hill, Washington DC
Capitol Dome & Statue of Freedom
A brief history;
- The United States Capitol dome soars above the main Capitol Building reaching 288 feet, it is made of cast iron and was designed by Thomas U. Walter.
- The cast iron dome which replaced the old wood & copper dome began in 1855 and was completed in 1866. After the framework of the dome was completed it carefully painted to match up to the rest of the U.S Capitol's Neoclassical stone facade.
- The Statue of Freedom is the bronze sculpture which crowns the United States Capitol dome, designed by Thomas Crawford standing at 19 feet & 6 inches tall.
- The statue itself is modelled on a classical female figure, with flowing, long hair a helmet with a crest of composed an eagle's head and feathers.
- Nine stars circle the helmet.
- She is classically dressed which is secured by a brooch inscribed "U.S"
- Over the dress is draped a heavy, flowing robe fringed with fur and decorative balls.
- In her left hand she holds a laurel leaf of victory & shield of the United States.
- Her right hand rests upon a sword wrapped in a scarf.
- The statue rests on a pedestal on a globe which is encircled with the motto E Pluribus Unum (Out of many, one).
Photograps include the United States Capitol Buildings;
- Cast iron dome designed by Thomas U. Walter
- Statue of Freedom designed by Thomas Crawford
Please take a look at my photography potfolio at Fotolia if you would like to see similar imagery at full-size & resolution please click on the links below;
Print