Ask questions via twitter! Message any question to @answers on twitter. We'll publish the question and send you a reply each time there's a new answer.
Next Question

Answered Question

 
 M¢37  Funded By Mahalo ? |  September 19, 2009 06:30 PM

What image is painted on the Rotunda of the Capital?

What does the image mean?
Interesting Question?  Yes (0)   No (0)   
RSS
 
 

Best Answer  Chosen by Asker

 
September 19, 2009 07:11 PM
According to http://www.aoc.gov/cc/capitol/rotunda.cfm the image painted in the eye of the Rotunda at the Capitol is called "The Apotheosis of Washington" by Constantino Brumidi in 1865.

http://www.aoc.gov/images/apotheosis.jpg

It shows George Washington rising to the heavens with Liberty and Victory/Fame at his sides. A rainbow is under his feet. The 13 original States are symbolized by 13 maidens.

Those with a concern for religious icons in Federal buildings might have fun with the symbology since the word "apotheosis" refers to someone being raised to the rank of a god.

The primary figures that surround the base of the canopy are (in clockwise order quoted from the above source):

http://www.aoc.gov/images/apoth_war1.jpg
- War, with Armed Freedom and the eagle defeating Tyranny and Kingly Power

http://www.aoc.gov/images/apoth_sci1.jpg
- Science, with Minerva teaching Benjamin Franklin, Robert Fulton, and Samuel F.B. Morse

http://www.aoc.gov/images/apoth_mar1.jpg
- Marine, with Neptune holding his trident and Venus holding the transatlantic cable, which was being laid at the time the fresco was painted

http://www.aoc.gov/images/apoth_comm1.jpg
- Commerce, with Mercury handing a bag of money to Robert Morris, financier of the American Revolution

http://www.aoc.gov/images/apoth_mech1.jpg
- Mechanics, with Vulcan at the anvil and forge, producing a cannon and a steam engine;

http://www.aoc.gov/images/apoth_agri1.jpg
- Agriculture, with Ceres seated on the McCormick Reaper, accompanied by America in a red liberty cap and Flora picking flowers.
Source(s):
The above images are public domain and can be viewed in more detail at http://www.aoc.gov/cc/art/rotunda/apotheosis/Overview.cfm

Asker's Rating:
• What is the significant of 13?


Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip silverhammer for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
September 20, 2009 03:44 AM
My understanding is they represent the 13 colonies/states. But I got that from reading the website. :)

---quote---
A rainbow arches at his feet, and thirteen maidens symbolizing the original states flank the three central figures.
---end quote---

Report
 
 
 
September 20, 2009 03:46 AM
What is the Mason significance of 13?

Report
 
 
 
September 20, 2009 04:44 AM - New Source
Ah, a new question. :)

While starting at the number of colonies the lining up of the use of 13 by Masons (and much of the symbology incorporated by them in Governmental buildings, seals and artwork) is often associated with the 13 tribes of Israel.

Not 12, they included the split tribe as the 13th.

But as with most people who use numbers and coincidences to prove significance I'm sure that if there were 12 colonies they'd have only used the original 12 tribes in their symbology instead. :)

Report
 
 

Answer this Question

How tips and payments work

This question has already been resolved. You may add an answer to it but you will not be eligible to win best answer or any associated tips.

Ask a Question


140 characters left
Top of Page
Buy Mahalo Dollars with Credit Card or PayPal

Top Members

This Week All Time
  • buddawiggi
    buddawiggi
    2nd Degree Black Belt
    26935 Points
    M$783.09 Earned
  • kty2777
    kty2777
    Purple Belt with a Brown Tip
    5400 Points
    M$199.92 Earned
  • opher
    opher
    Purple Belt
    4132 Points
    M$185.92 Earned
   See All
 

Most Popular Tags

mahalo(1588)
iphone(462)
music(459)
google(353)
food(314)
online(293)
beer(278)
money(262)
movies(254)
apple(250)
aotd(235)
health(217)
video(205)
dog(204)
free(201)
   See All
 

Categories

Welcome New Members


 
 
Mahalo Dollars are the currency of Mahalo Answers.

Each Mahalo Dollar costs $1.

Once you earn more than 40 Mahalo Dollars, you can request to be paid via PayPal. Each Mahalo Dollar is currently worth $0.75 when paid out via PayPal. Learn More

 
 

Please log in to use this function.