The pediment over the east central entrance of the u. S. Capitol. The sculptural pediment is called genius of america, and was made by luigi persico in sandstone from 1825 to 1828, and is 81 feet 6 inches in length with the figures being 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. When the capitol's east central front was extended in 1958-1962, the badly deteriorated figures were removed and restored and plaster models were made of them. From these models the reproductions seen today on the pediment were carved in georgia white marble by bruno mankowski. The plaster models are displayed in the basement rotunda of the cannon house office building, on the subway level. The original sandstone figures are in storage.
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