The National Archives’ larger-than-life statues

The National Archives ^ | May 22, 2018 | essiekratz

[ProtectOurFreedom]

On each side of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC (on Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues), sit two 65-ton statues. Each statue is more than 10 feet high and, with their bases, tower 25 feet above the sidewalk.

They were carved from 1934 to 1935, and each came from a single piece of Indiana limestone. The sculptors and carvers worked on site in temporary structures created for them.

John Russell Pope, architect of the National Archives Building, used symbolism in all parts of the building, and these sculptures were no exception.

Flanking the Constitution Avenue entrance, where visitors to our museum enter, are two statues called Heritage and Guardianship. They are by James Earl Fraser, who also designed the Constitution Avenue pediment. Fraser was assisted by sculptors David Rubins and Sidney Waugh and carver G. A. Ratti.

Heritage symbolizes the government’s role in preserving the home. You see wheat symbolizing fertility; a child symbolizing future generations; a snake-bordered robe for protection of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom; and an urn containing the ashes of past generations.

The quotation on the base—“The heritage of the past is the seed that brings forth the harvest of the future”—is from abolitionist Wendell Phillips. The accompanying reliefs on the pedestal includes a plow, cornucopia, lamp, and books—all symbols of the importance of home. The base also includes a winged globe with the United States in front, and an ox and horse.

In contrast to Heritage, Guardianship is a muscular man holding a plumed helmet. For protection he is wearing a lion skin and holding a shield and sword. He is also holding a fasces. His quotation,

“Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Liberty,”

is attributed to Thomas Jefferson. The pedestal reliefs show a quiver with arrows, a sword, and a shield.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

I’ve been in Washington DC a few days visiting relatives and enjoyed touring the National Archives. The statues outside the building really impressed me, particularly this “Guardianship” sculpture. I was struck by the Jefferson quote on the pedestal, it’s relevance to today’s politics and how President Trump is the warrior sitting in the chair with the lion skin wrapped around him and holding the plumed helmet.

[VRW Conspirator]

bump

[I-ambush]

Couldn’t get a sculpture like that in front of a public building ow. Too much toxic masculinity. Maybe an Amazonian warrior.

[sphinx]

What a foolishly cis-gendered, binary, patriarchal and heteronormative thing to say. Just rename the statue “Greta” and all will be well. Probably win awards, too.

[nicollo]

These are magnificent statues.

Every July 4th there is a wonderful, if hokey, celebration of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the Archives in between these statues. Character actors read the Declaration and the Old Guard performs along PA Ave in front. 10 am every July 4.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Thanks...sounds like a fun event.

The reason I posted this was my dismay at the hypocrisy of the “Eternal vigilance” quotation on the statue base. Trump, like no other president and as an outsider, is exercising “eternal vigilance” to preserve our liberties. Look at what the established forces are doing to him to preserve the thoroughly corrupt old guard.

We have the noble and idealistic sentiment on the statue, yet right before our very eyes we see the bastards doing everything possible to thwart that. It’s sickening.