Tom Lydon (American, B. 1944) "Peace Protecting Genius" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 29c Official Coil stamp issued May 24, 1991. Washington, D.C., is a city where the highest aspirations of man are paid loving tribute in etched sandstone and marble. The impressive Capitol Building is a national treasury of spectacular architecture with exquisitely detailed pediments, arches, doors and porticos serving as monuments to the ideals which made this country great. During the early-to-mid 1800s, sculptor Luigi Persico executed a sandstone masterpiece which graced the east central pediment of the Senate wing. Persico sculpted three figures in a tympanum which he entitled "Genius of America." The central figure of America, eagle at her side, grasps a shield inscribed "USA" in her right hand and points to the figure of Justice with her left. Proudly poised with head held high, Justice holds her scales aloft and trails with her left hand a scroll inscribed "Constitution, 17 September 1787." The figure of Hope completes the sculpture. During the 1960 East Front extension project, conservators removed the weather-ravaged sandstone tympanum and replaced it with marble reproductions carved from plaster models cast from the restored Persico originals. This artwork portrays Justice with her scales and scroll, reminding us that in the United States the Constitution provides justice for all its adherents. Image Size: 11.25 x 16 in. Overall Size: 14.75 x 20 in. Unframed. (B13051) See More