Two of the Great Hall's six large skylights with scale-pattern design are visible from this perspective. The aluminum gilding surrounding the skylights was considered more precious than silver in the 1890s. The marble floor consists of a number of modeled and incised brass layers. The center represents the sun surrounded by four cardinal points of the compass. The outer layer is ornamented with a red and yellow decorative scale pattern made out of Italian marble from Verona and Sienna. At the edge of the Great Hall floor, there are twelve squares that represent the zodiac signs. Two statues at the newel posts of the grand staircase hold torches with electric lights, representing the American contribution towards science.
SKU: 11966
Creator: Carol M. Highsmith
Date: 2007
Location: Library of Congress