The  Statue   of  Freedom
               Portrait  of  a Goddess
    
    The most elusive statue in the Nation has presided over the Great Dome of the United States Capitol since 1863.
     The bronze Statue of Freedom is the crowning achievement of American sculptor Thomas Crawford. In 1855, the renowned artist received a commission to create a statue that would represent the soul of the nation.
     The Statue of Freedom stands 19 feet 6 inches in height and weighs 14,895 pounds. She is a  classical female figure wearing flowing drapery with fringe and tassels. The drapery is gathered and held in place with a brooch inscribed with the letters "U.S.". A laurel wreath, symbolizing triumph and honor, is held in her left hand, which rests upon the shield of the United States. Her right hand grasps a sheathed sword, symbolic of peace,which is ready to be drawn if needed. Her head, with long flowing hair,  is covered with a helmet encircled with stars, indicating celestial origin and endless existence. To infer that the country Freedom defends is of Indian ancestry, Crawford  fashioned a Native American headdress of an eagle's head , talons and feathers. Ten bronze points tipped with platinum are attached to her headdress, shoulder and shield to protect her from lightning.
     In May of 1993, the Statue was airlifted from her pedestal and placed in front of the Capitol for extensive restoration. These rare portraits of Lady Freedom were taken before she was returned to her rightful place in October of that year. She stands on a cast iron globe ringed with the national motto "E Pluribus Unum". In times of war, and in times of peace, Freedom Endures!

Exhibit dedicated to the memory of Larry Teafoe.