Architect of the Capitol employees are responsible for the care and preservation of more than 300 works of art, architectural elements, landscape features and more.

Browse our pieces below or learn more about the artists, collections and subjects.

Filter Results

Displaying 109 - 120 of 120

Mural of people.

Discovery of Gold in California

The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill set off the California gold rush of 1849. In this scene prospectors dig for gold with picks and shovels and pan for the precious metal. In the center three well-dressed men, possibly Sutter and two friends, carefully examine the contents of a prospector's pan. This was the last scene designed by Constantino Brumidi and painted by Filippo Costaggini. (1848)
Mural of people.

Declaration of Independence

This idealized depiction shows the principal authors of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, reading the document to colonists. (1776)
"The First Federal Congress, 1789" by Allyn Cox

The First Federal Congress, 1789

Meeting in New York at Federal Hall, the first federal Congress initiated the committee system, levied taxes and imposts, and enacted a judicial system.

Mural of people.

Death of Tecumseh

Tecumseh, a brilliant Indian chief, warrior and orator, is shown being fatally shot by Colonel Johnson at the Battle of the Thames in Upper Canada during the War of 1812. Tecumseh and his followers joined forces with the British to resist the encroachment of settlers on Indian territory. With Tecumseh's death, however, the momentum and power of the Indian confederacy was broken. (1813)
"Washington's Farewell Address, 1796" by Allyn Cox

Washington's Farewell Address, 1796

In his farewell address at the end of his second term as president, George Washington urged America, "Observe good faith and justice toward all nations.

Surrender of Cornwallis

General George Washington, on horseback, receives the sword of surrender from Major General O'Hare, who represented Lord Cornwallis after his defeat at Yorktown, the last battle of the American Revolution. (1781)
"The Monroe Doctrine, 1823" by Allyn Cox

The Monroe Doctrine, 1823

Responding to Russian territorial claims along the northern Pacific coast, and concerned that European nations would attempt to seize recently independent Latin American states, President James Mon

Peace at the End of the Civil War

A Confederate soldier and a Union soldier shake hands, marking the reunion of the country after the devastation of the Civil War. A cotton plant and a northern pine tree symbolize the South and the North, respectively. This is the first of Allyn Cox's three scenes. (1865)
"Lincoln's Second Inaugural, 1865" by Allyn Cox

Lincoln's Second Inaugural, 1865

At his March 4 inaugural on the steps of the newly completed Capitol, Lincoln expressed his hopes for reconstruction of the Union after the Civil War.

Mural of people.

William Penn and the Indians

William Penn is shown at center with the Delaware Indians at the time of the Treaty of Shackamaxon. This treaty formalized the purchase of land in Pennsylvania and cemented an amicable relationship between the Quakers and the Indians for almost a hundred years. This scene was that last one on which Constantino Brumidi worked.