Apotheosis of Democracy, Marble sculpture at United States Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Apotheosis of Democracy is a marble sculpture on the façade of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., located on a pediment spanning about 80 feet. The work features a central group of figures representing different aspects of American society and national values.
The Piccirilli Brothers carved the work from Georgia White marble between 1914 and 1916, following designs by Paul Wayland Bartlett. The project joined artistic work between Europe and America during a period of Capitol renewal and modernization.
The sculpture shows figures representing Peace and other symbols of national values that visitors encounter while walking around the Capitol building. The arrangement reflects how the nation chose to honor its democratic ideals through stone carving.
Original plaster models of the sculpture can be seen in the Capitol subway terminal connecting to the Rayburn House Office Building during regular Capitol visits. These models help visitors understand the design process and details of the finished work.
The pediment's edges feature carved waves representing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, symbolizing the nation's geographic span from coast to coast. These oceanic details connect the continents and emphasize the country's continental reach.
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