Text File

Courtroom Friezes: East and West Walls

INFORMATION SHEET

The architect of the Supreme Court building, Cass Gilbert (18671934), selected Adolph A. Weinman (18701952), a noted Beaux-Arts architectural sculptor of the period who had studied under Augustus Saint-Gaudens, to design the friezes that adorn the walls of the Courtroom. Weinman's training stressed that a sculpture's subject matter should correlate with the function of the building in which it was to be placed. In this case, he designed friezes portraying both allegorical representations of Law, on the East and West walls, and historical lawgivers, on the North and South walls. It was common practice during this period to allow the sculptor artistic freedom to create art that would fit within the framework of the architect's vision of the building. Thus, Weinman's choice of symbols and figures were his own and reflected his training in the classical and Beaux-Arts traditions.

The East wall frieze is located directly above the Bench and focuses on two male figures that represent the Majesty of Law and the Power of Government. According to a letter from Weinman to Gilbert, the tablet between them symbolizes the first ten amendments to the Constitution, also known as the Bill of Rights. The allegorical figures standing on either side of the central figures symbolize Wisdom, on the left, and Justice, on the right. Weinman described the figures grouped to the right side as the Safeguard of the Liberties and Rights of the People in their pursuit of Happiness and those on the left side as The Defense of Human Rights and Protection of Innocence (below).

The East Wall Frieze

The Defense of Human Rights and Safeguard of the Liberties and Rights Wisdom Justice Protection of Innocence of the People in their Pursuit of Happiness

The Majesty The Power of of Law Government

Office of the Curator Supreme Court of the United States Updated: 8/18/2000

According to Weinman, the theme of the West wall frieze is the struggle between Good and Evil. In this sculpture, the central female figures, Justice and Divine Inspiration, are flanked by representations of Wisdom, with an owl perched on his shoulder, and Truth, holding a mirror and a rose. Moving to the left from the central figures, the "Powers of Good" are Defense of Virtue, Charity, Peace, Harmony and Security. The "Powers of Evil", moving to the right, are Corruption, Slander, Deception and Despotic Power. Justice, leaning on her sword, has her head turned to keep a watchful eye on the Powers of Evil.

The West Wall Frieze

"The Powers of Good" "The Powers of Evil"

Security Wisdom Truth Despotic Power

Figures entangled Harmony with snake, Deception representing Evil. Defender Peace of Virtue Corruption Slander

Charity

Divine Justice Inspiration

Office of the Curator Supreme Court of the United States All photographs by Franz Jantzen unless otherwise noted. Collections of the Supreme Court of the United States.