Wind Sculptures at the Virginia State Capitol
Hypnartic Artwork infused the creative artistry of its Solar Flare wind sculpture amidst the extensive historical and architectural significance of the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond during a temporary installation set before the structure’s Bank Street entrance.
Virginia State Capitol courtesy of www.travel.usnews.com
The 216 year-old building represents the first Roman Revival structure ever constructed in the United States. Its exterior design is an exact replica of the 16 B.C. Maison Carree temple that remains standing in the Southern France town of Nimes today.
Maison Carree Square House Roman Temple courtesy of www.tripadvisor.co.uk/
The idea to duplicate an American mirror image of the ancient Roman relic, whose name translates to Square House, in Richmond for the building slated to house Virginia’s government headquarters originated from Thomas Jefferson while serving in his capacity as the U.S. Minister to France. Mr. Jefferson held this overseas foreign affairs post from 1785-1789 after his tenure as Virginia’s second governor from 1779 to 1781. His personal ties, experience as a self-taught architect combined with the decision of Virginia lawmakers to reassign the location of their state capitol from Williamsburg undoubtedly fueled Mr. Jefferson’s desire to ensure Richmond’s landscape received an impressive structural gem featuring historical significance of global magnitude.
Courtesy of www.timothyrichards.com
Mr. Jefferson further illustrated his architectural vision with a scale model and site drawings which he produced in collaboration with French Architect Charles –Louis Clerisseau. Mr Jefferson shipped these materials to the designated Virginia building committee for review and approval which it ultimately granted. Mr. Jefferson’s original model remains on display today inside the capitol’s foyer.
Thomas Jefferson Statue, Virginia Capitol courtesy of www.tripadvisor.com
His gubernatorial term followed his co-authorship of The Declaration of Independence along with six other prominent Founding Fathers. Their collective signatures upon the historically significant document established the framework for the country’s democratic form of government. Later in 1801, Mr. Jefferson would take office as the third President of the United States. He held this position until 1809 when James Madison succeeded him.
The construction of the majestic building occurred over many phases by builder Samuel Dobei and crews between its groundbreaking in 1785 until official completion in 1800. Despite ongoing construction in 1788, members of Virginia’s General Assembly held the first of many work sessions scheduled inside the incomplete building.
The Rotunda - Virginia State Capitol courtesy of www.dyxum.com
Today, Mr. Jefferson’s design stands at the center of the capitol site flanked by two smaller structures with similar facades. A Rotunda dome added in 1794 spans thirty feet in diameter. It captures natural light that streams upon a wide assortment of works of art featuring local American leaders. Pieces include a life-size Houdon statue of George Washington and seven busts of the other Virginia-born presidents and Frenchman Marquis de Lafayette who fought for America during the American Revolution.
Hypnartic Artwork at the Virginia State Capital Building
