Apotheosis of Democracy, (sculpture).

Apotheosis of Democracy, (sculpture).

Bartlett, Paul Wayland, 1865-1925, sculptor.

Walter, Thomas Ustick, 1804-1887, architect.

Piccirilli Brothers Marble Carving Studios, carver.

Apotheosis of Democracy, (sculpture).

United States Capitol Building: The People of the United States, (sculpture).

People of the United States, (sculpture).

Commissioned 1910. Modeled 1911-1914. Carved 1914-1916. Dedicated Aug. 2, 1916.

Digital Reference:

Pediment: Georgia white marble.

Pediment: approx. L. 60 ft.

In the center of the pediment is the allegorical figure of Peace dressed in armor protecting the winged figure of Genius who rests against her proper right leg. Genius carries the torch of immortality in his proper right hand. Behind Peace is an olive tree. Flanking Peace are figure groups representing Agriculture and Industry. Agriculture on her proper left is a reaper and his assistant; a farmer with his bull; a putti carrying grapes; a mother; and a child playing with a ram. Industry on her proper right is a printer; an ironworker; a founder; a factory girl; and fisherman. In the corners are waves representing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Allegory -- Civic -- Democracy

Allegory -- Civic -- Peace

Allegory -- Other -- Thought

Allegory -- Quality -- Excellence

Allegory -- Religion -- Immortality

Allegory -- Arts & Sciences -- Agriculture

Allegory -- Arts & Sciences -- Industry

Allegory -- Place -- Oceans

Outdoor Sculpture -- District of Columbia -- Washington

Administered by United States Capitol, Architect of the Capitol, Washington, District of Columbia

Located United States Capitol, House of Representatives wing, east front pediment, Washington, District of Columbia 20201

In 1857, Eratus Dow was awarded the House pediment commission, but the piece was not completed due to lack of funding. In 1908, another competition was held and Paul Bartlett won. Plaster models given to U.S. Government in March 1963 by Mrs. Armistead Peter III, stepdaughter of the artist, are located in Capitol subway leading to the Rayburn House Office Building.

Index of American Sculpture, University of Delaware, 1985.

"Compilation of Works of Art and Other Objects in the United States Capitol," the Architect of the Capitol, 1965.

National Park Service, American Monuments and Outdoor Sculpture Database, DC5011, 1989.

Goode, James M., "The Outdoor Sculpture of Washington, D.C., A Comprehensive Historical Guide," Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1974, pg. 52.

Monumental News, Feb. 1913, pg. 125.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, District of Columbia survey, 1993.

Michael Richman, SAAM curatorial assistant, 1967-1969.

Goode, James M., "Washington Sculpture: A Cultural History of Outdoor Sculpture in the Nation's Capitol," Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008, no. 1.8.

Goode, James M., "The Outdoor Sculpture of Washington, D.C., A Comprehensive Historical Guide," Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1974, A-6.

"Compilation of Works of Art and Other Objects in the United States Capitol," the Architect of the Capitol, 1965, pg. 379.

Goode, James M., "Washington Sculpture: A Cultural History of Outdoor Sculpture in the Nation's Capitol," Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008, no. 1.8.

For study see: 45130015.

For model see: 08850017.

For model see: 08850018.

For model see: 08850019.

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

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