(Pennsylvania State Capitol Bronze Doors), (sculpture)

Object Details

sculptor: Huston, Joseph M.; Barnard, George Grey 1863-1938; Jahnsen, Otto
founder: Henry-Bonnard Bronze Company
fabricator: J. Franklin Whitman and Co.
Subject: Aucaigne, E. F; Barnard; Clark, William; Huston; Merritt; Penn, William; Pennybacker; Penrose, Boies; Quay, Matthew

Index of American Sculpture, University of Delaware, 1989.; Save Outdoor Sculpture, Pennsylvania survey, 1994.
Summary: Three sets of double doors, located on north and south sides of the Main Capitol building, and at the central entrance. All share the same decorative motifs and are three-paneled with the State Seal in the center panel. The central entrance door is more elaborate with scenes and people from he history of Pennsylvania. The arched upper portion of the doors contains a portrait bust of William Penn flanked by scenes depicting his landing at New Castle Delaware and his treaty with the Indians. The upper panels portray the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Below them are circular medallions with figure groups representing History and Education. Lower panels depict figures involved in Mining and Agriculture. On either side are portrait heads, among them: Matthew Quay, Boise Penrose, Governor Pennypacker, Huston, Barnard, Senator William Clark, owner of the Henry Bonnard Bronze Works, and the company's managing partner E. F. Auciagne and superintendent Merritt.

1904-1905. Dedicated June 1906

Owner/Location: Administered by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Capitol Preservation Committee Room 30, Capitol Annex Building Harrisburg Pennsylvania 17120; Located Pennsylvania State Capitol Main Capitol Building Harrisburg Pennsylvania 17120

Art Inventories Catalog, Smithsonian American Art Museums

Topic: History--United States--Pennsylvania; History--United States--Declaration of Independence; History--United States--Constitution; Allegory--Arts & Sciences--History; Allegory--Arts & Sciences--Agriculture; Allegory--Arts & Sciences--Education; Occupation--Industry--Mining; Portrait male; Occupation--Political