Flickr - USCapitol - Genius of America - U.S. Capitol Central Pediment (cropped)

Luigi persico, sandstone, 1825-1828 copied by bruno mankowski in marble, 1959-1960 pediment over the east central entrance of the u. S. Capitol the sculptural pediment over the east central entrance of the u. S. Capitol building is called genius of america. The entire pediment is 81 feet 6 inches in length and the figures are 9 feet high. The central figure represents america, who rests her right arm on a shield inscribed "usa"; the shield is supported by an altar bearing the inscription "july 4, 1776. " america points to justice, who lifts scales in her left hand and in her right hand holds a scroll inscribed "constitution, 17 september 1787. " to america's left are an eagle and the figure of hope, who rests her arm on an anchor. This official architect of the capitol photograph is being made available for educational, scholarly, news or personal purposes (not advertising or any other commercial use). When any of these images is used the photographic credit line should read “architect of the capitol. ” these images may not be used in any way that would imply endorsement by the architect of the capitol or the united states congress of a product, service or point of view. For more information visit www. Aoc. Gov.