Second Floor, East Corridor. Mosaic Of Minerva By Elihu Vedder Within Central Arched Panel Leading To The Visitor's Gallery. Library Of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, Washington, D.C., 2007

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Image Title: Second Floor, East Corridor. Mosaic Of Minerva By Elihu Vedder Within Central Arched Panel Leading To The Visitor's Gallery. Library Of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, Washington, D.C., 2007

Creator: Highsmith, Carol M., 1946-, photographer

Date: 2007.

Notes: Exhibit caption: "Pictured on this mosaic in the arched panel is the Roman Goddess Minerva guardian of civilization. She is portrayed as the Minerva of Peace, but according to the artist who created her, Elihu Vedder (American painter, 1836-1923), the peace and prosperity that she enjoys was attained only through warfare. A little statue of Nike, a representation of Victory, similar to those erected by ancient Greeks to commemorate their success in battle, stands next to Minerva. The figure is a winged female standing on a globe and holding out a laurel wreath (victory) and palm branch (peace) to the victors. * Shield and Helmet: Although Minerva's shield and helmet have been laid upon the ground, the goddess still holds a long, two-headed spear, showing that she never relaxes her vigilance against the enemies of the country that she protects. * Scroll: Her attention is directed to an unfolded scroll that she holds in her left hand. On this is written a list of various fields of learning, such as Architecture, Law, Statistics, Sociology, Botany, Biography, Mechanics, Philosophy, Zoology, etc. Minerva is therefore also the Goddess of Learning, an activity that can thrive in a peaceful society. * Owl: On Minerva's right is an owl, symbolizing wisdom, perched upon the post of a low parapet. * Inscription: Beneath the mosaic is an inscription from Horace's Ars Poetica: Nil invita Minerva, quae monumentum aere perennius exegit, and translated as, Not unwilling, Minerva raises a monument more lasting than bronze." (Source: MyLOC.gov Great Hall exhibit, 2008)

Related Names: Vedder, Elihu, 1836-1923

Subjects: Architectural decorations & ornaments--Washington (D.C.)--2000-2010
Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building (Washington, D.C.)--2000-2010
Mosaics--Washington (D.C.)--2000-2010

Places: Washington D.C.

Original Media: Photograph

Collections: Carol M. Highsmith Archive » more info...

About our framed prints...

Our sturdy black wood frame contains a soft woodgrain pattern and includes a real glass face -- not plexiglass. Arrives ready-to-hang, with hardware attached. Choose from two sizes: 9x11-inch frame with 8x10-inch print, or 12x15-inch frame with 11x14-inch print. Our prints consist of heavy-stock, semi-gloss paper for the best possible combination of color vibrancy and durability. The brilliant colors we achieve are due in large part to the unique inks we use.

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