Innocents Abroad: Chapter 65 - Washington, D.C., Part 2

The United States Capitol is arguably the most recognizable symbol of America. Home to Congress since 1800, it has undergone numerous renovations and additions. It's where Congress meets, where presidents are inaugurated and deliver State of the Union speeches, where foreign leaders address joint sessions of Congress and where many ceremonial events are held.

I was very excited to visit the Capitol and thrilled that Kate's friend, Hugh, would give us a private tour.

An image of the Capitol in the new three-story Capitol Visitors Center, constructed beneath the East Plaza and opened in 2008.

View from the parking lot

Two pictures I'll treasure

This is part of the Brumidi Corridors, the richly painted hallways on the first floor of the Senate wing. Classically-trained Italian artist Constantino Brumidi immigrated to America from Italy in 1852 because of political upheavals at home.

Brumidi worked in the Capitol for over 25 years. He designed the corridors based on a loggia by Raphael in the Vatican. He and other painters completed the works.

He was a master of the buon fresco (true fresco) technique in which the artist rapidly paints on a moist mortar surface with a mixture of mineral colors and water. The colors are immediately absorbed by the mortar and become an integral part of the wall when the surface cures. This obviously allows little room for error.

He employed an artistic technique known as trompe l'oeil (fool the eye) in the corridors. The process is designed to make the images appear three-dimensional rather than flat.

The Old Supreme Court Chamber was used from 1810-1860. In this room the Supreme Court, first led by the notable Chief Justice John Marshall, established itself as the final authority in interpreting and evaluating the constitutionality of federal and state laws.

The Old Senate Chamber was used from 1810-1859. Great Senators like Daniel Webster, Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun debated the issues of slavery, territorial expansion and economic policy that divided young America and eventually led to the Civil War.

The Rotunda is the heart and soul of the Capitol. It has no legislative function, serving as a ceremonial space where state funerals have been held for presidents, members of Congress, military heroes and eminent citizens. Visiting dignitaries are received here, and many historic events have been celebrated here.

The next four pictures begin at the lower part of the Rotunda ceiling and then lead to the ceiling itself where Brumidi painted "The Apotheosis of Washington." It shows George Washington surrounded by symbols of American democracy and technological progress. He was painting the frieze that rings the Rotunda when he died.

This painting commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

This is a facsimile of the Magna Carta signed by King John in 1215. The foundation of rights and liberties of the citizenry of England, it is the basis of American individual rights. The facsimile and modern translation are embossed on glass in gold, silver-gilt in a case of stainless steel, covered with gold and enamel, set with gems and pearls and ornamented by heraldic devices.

Throughout the Capitol you see many statues. Each state is invited to display two statues, and you see a wide variety of subjects. Here is a representative sampling.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower of Kansas

President Ronald Reagan of California

The great Sam Houston of Texas

Mississippi's Jefferson Davis (president of the Confederacy)

Hawaii's King Kamehameha

Sakakawea of North Dakota, the young Indian woman who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their famous exploration to the west (1804-1806)

The young Helen Keller of Alabama

This is a copy of the Statue of Freedom that stands atop the Capitol. Sculpted by the American artist, Thomas Crawford, the statue was set in place in 1863.

This is one of the bronze doors designed in 1910 by Louis Amateis for the west central front of the main entrance.

I wanted to see the Senate and House chambers, but, ironically, both were in session. I say 'ironically' because from what I read, they meet about 2 1/2 days a week nowadays. After seeing the statues and paintings of the great men who created and led the nation and their great writings, today's Senators and Representatives seem so much smaller.

Here are two nearby garden areas.

After leaving the Capitol, I was surprised to see - literally almost across the street - this Trapeze School. What a sample of the American entrepreneurial spirit!