Nation as Sovereign and Power
Dublin Core
Title
Nation as Sovereign and Power
Subject (Topic)
Allegorical figure
Public art
Sculpture
United States-Rhode Island-Providence
Public art
Sculpture
United States-Rhode Island-Providence
Subject (Object)
Commemorative sculpture
Description
This monument is composed of three figures: in the center sits Nation, sometimes referred to as "United States" in earlier writings, flaked by Justice to her right and Law & Order to her left. Sovereign is identified by a globe in her right hand with an eagle perched upon it, and a leafed scepter in her left. Upon her head rests a crown of laurels that hold back her wavy haired pulled intoa strict bun, accentuating her steely gaze and soft chin that is characteristic of Roman sculpture. She is draped in a heavy cloth falling loose upon her form and is secured by an embellished breastplate, obscuring the enirety of her chest. She wears andals, the tips of her toes extending just beyond the lip of her throne.
To her right kneels, Justice who grasps scales in her right hand and splayed across her lap, as well as the Sword of Justice she grips firmly with her left. The sword itself stands upright, shaped similarly to a cross with an eagle or falcon head as its pommel. She is clothed in classical robes, slipping just below her shoulders and allowing us to see the outline of her breast and nippleds through the fabric. She wears a veil held back by a crown, hair twisted into a bun similar to classical Roman sculpture. She has a similar expression to Sovereign, her gaze steady as it shoots ahead and her lips are set into a mild frown. Hher facial structure is likewise reminiscent of classical style, with a strong bridge and pointed end.
Kneeling to Nation's left, his pose a mirror of Justice, is Law & Order. He is shirtless, his modesty protected by a heavy cloak that falls upon his lap and is secured at his shoulder by a presumably leather band across his chest, producing a cape-like effect. In his right hand he grips a fasces bundle, symbolic of revolution and the right to self-determination. In his left hand is a law book, his index finger wedged between the pages as if he had been interrupted wihile reading.
To her right kneels, Justice who grasps scales in her right hand and splayed across her lap, as well as the Sword of Justice she grips firmly with her left. The sword itself stands upright, shaped similarly to a cross with an eagle or falcon head as its pommel. She is clothed in classical robes, slipping just below her shoulders and allowing us to see the outline of her breast and nippleds through the fabric. She wears a veil held back by a crown, hair twisted into a bun similar to classical Roman sculpture. She has a similar expression to Sovereign, her gaze steady as it shoots ahead and her lips are set into a mild frown. Hher facial structure is likewise reminiscent of classical style, with a strong bridge and pointed end.
Kneeling to Nation's left, his pose a mirror of Justice, is Law & Order. He is shirtless, his modesty protected by a heavy cloak that falls upon his lap and is secured at his shoulder by a presumably leather band across his chest, producing a cape-like effect. In his right hand he grips a fasces bundle, symbolic of revolution and the right to self-determination. In his left hand is a law book, his index finger wedged between the pages as if he had been interrupted wihile reading.
Creator
Rhind, James Massey, 1860-1936
Source
Photographs by Christina Miles
Date
Dedicated: November 23, 1908
Contributor
Architectural Firm: Clark & Howe
Funder: U.S. Department of Treasury
Funder: U.S. Department of Treasury
Rights
General Service Administration
1800 F Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
1800 F Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
Format
JPEG
Language
English
Type
Visual Arts-Sculpture
Coverage
1 Exchange Terrace
Providence, RI 02903
Providence, RI 02903
Extent
Statue and base: 396.24 cm
Medium
Statue: Tennesse Marble
Base: Tennesse Marble
Base: Tennesse Marble
Bibliographic Citation
“Figures of Justice.” Office of the Curator. Supreme Court of the United States, 2003.
https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/figuresofjustice.pdf. Accessed November 23, 2022.
https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/figuresofjustice.pdf. Accessed November 23, 2022.
Rights Holder
Renée Ater, Brown University
Geolocation
Citation
Rhind, James Massey, 1860-1936, “Nation as Sovereign and Power,” Commemorative Works of Providence, accessed April 27, 2025, https://commemorativeworks.artculturetourism.com/items/show/10.