Statue of Freedom, Bronze statue at United States Capitol, United States
The Statue of Freedom is a bronze sculpture at the top of the Capitol dome in Washington. Standing nearly six meters tall, the figure rests on a cast-iron pedestal with a globe that rises above the dome roof.
Thomas Crawford designed the sculpture in 1855 before his death, and other artists completed his work. The installation on the Capitol took place in 1863, during the Civil War.
The female figure wears a helmet decorated with nine stars and eagle feathers as symbols of the founding states and their liberty. She holds a sword and laurel wreath in her hands, representing military strength and national self-determination.
Visitors can see the figure from different points around the National Mall. The best view is from the east side of the Capitol, where the details of the sculpture are more clearly visible.
The cast-iron pedestal holds a globe inscribed with E Pluribus Unum, symbolizing the unity of the nation. This element extends the entire construction by more than five meters above the dome roof.
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