Man Controlling Trade

Man Controlling Trade is a pair of limestone sculptures at the Federal Trade Commission Building in Washington, D.C., each standing about 15 feet tall. Each piece depicts a muscular man restraining a powerful horse with varying degrees of force and dominance.

The works were created in 1938 after a national Treasury Department competition won by sculptor Michael Lantz among 250 applicants. Their creation was part of a broad federal arts initiative during the economic upheaval of the 1930s.

The sculptures embody the Federal Trade Commission's watchdog mission through the building's public art program. They show the tension between human authority and raw power that visitors notice upon approaching the entrance.

The sculptures are located at Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues NW and are easily accessible with a clear sightline to the Capitol building. Visitors can view and photograph both pieces from the street without needing to enter the building's entry areas.

The northern horse attempts to bite the man's hand, while the southern figure shows complete animal submission. This contrast captures two opposite moments of struggle between human and nature within a single artistic vision.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1942

Creator: Michael Lantz

GPS coordinates: 38.89236,-77.02063

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:02