Archives of the United States of America - Washington, D.C.
N 38° 53.581 W 077° 01.365
18S E 324575 N 4306849
This pediment titled "Destiny" is located above the north entrance to the Archives of the United States of America in Washington, D.C.
Waymark Code: WM81Q4
Location: District of Columbia, United States
Date Posted: 01/10/2010
Views: 40
From the
National Archives website:
Both entrances to the National Archives Building are crowned with huge pediments, that are 118 feet long and 18 feet high in the center, with 12-foot eagles with extended wings at the ends.
"Destiny," January 12, 1936
Design by Adolph A. Weinman
Carved by Edward Ardolino Company
National Archives, Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, RG 64
In Adolph Weinman’s highly symbolic pediment for the Pennsylvania Avenue side of the National Archives Building, an enthroned Zeus-like figure "Destiny" is flanked by figures representing "The Arts of War" and "The Arts of Peace." These are surrounded by figures representing "The Romance of History" and "The Song of Achievement." Weinman’s theme was that progress is determined by knowledge of the past: knowledge gained through documents held in the Archives.