Saw this entry in that pdf from the other day:
"It also reminds us of the rows of grotesque gargoyles or demons’ heads that have recently been painted on the southeast and northeast corridor walls of the Library of Congress’ Thomas Jefferson Building Main Vestibule, replacing a group of our nation’s founders kneeling in prayer which has been on the walls since 1897, when the building was constructed."
Can't find info about this. Bing AI said:
"I did find some information about the founders kneeling in prayer that you mentioned. They are part of a series of 16 bronze statues that depict the Founding Fathers of the United States in various poses and expressions1. They were commissioned by the Library of Congress in 1897, when the building was completed, to commemorate the centennial of the Declaration of Independence2. The statues are located on the east corridor and entrance to the Main Reading Room, and they are meant to symbolize the ideals and values of American democracy3."
See if you can find pics of what they're talking about here.
I honestly don’t know. I have many highly detailed panoramic and regular photos of the place, and I tried zooming in on just about everything while going through them…..trying to find a gargoyle, lol. Took me a while. The only place I didn’t take pictures is what I believe is the southeast hall, where you line up to go into the main reading room. But I found those pictures online, and it is what I remember it being, but didn’t photograph. (Dedicated to how family has shaped history)
I was struck by the esoteric nature of it all, from Greek mythology to the zodiac floor to the ginormous bible that symbolized wisdom being spread throughout the world. Overall, I was struck that it is not solely about Christianity, that much was clear. Christianity was just the vessel of the time, and that’s how the builder’s and contributors saw it. It was about good wisdom of all of mankind….no matter where it came from. Like a snapshot of history and the ideas that have come before us.
It was hands down my favorite place….. I think probably ever. I have been slowly researching it ever since, but this gargoyle and men praying thing I just cannot find. I will keep looking, though.