In this series, we will highlight a few of the many publications on GovInfo that showcase works of art through different mediums, including photographs, paintings, and drawings. This third part of the series, “Art in U.S. Federal Government Buildings,” presents publications that highlight works of art in some of our nation's historic buildings.

Image: Cover images of publications featured in this article.

S. Doc. 103-27 - Constantino Brumidi - Artist of the Capitol* (2000)
The U.S. Capitol is considered not only the home of Congress but also a museum and gallery of fine art. Constantino Brumidi spent many years of his life devoted to decorating this building.

Image: Cover images of publications featured in this article.

"Constantino Brumidi: Artist of the Capitol, was authorized by the 103rd Congress (S. Con. Res. 40) as part of the celebration of the bicentennial of the construction of the Capitol. The book, prepared under the direction of Architect George M. White and completed under Architect Alan M. Hantman, took a number of years to research, write, illustrate, edit, and design. The book is richly illustrated, primarily with photographs taken by the Architect of the Capitol Photography Branch."

Image: This 1842 hand-colored wood engraving of the Capitol depicts the building as it appeared during John Quincy Adams’s House career. Instead of the grand white dome of today, the Capitol was topped by a low wood-and-copper dome designed by Architect of the Capitol Charles Bulfinch. Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives. Source: The People's House: A Guide to Its History, Spaces, and Traditions*.

Image: The mace, a symbol of authority in the House, is present whenever the House is in session. "It is derived from the ancient battle weapon of the same name. To begin each legislative day, a staff member designated by the Sergeant at Arms carries the mace into the chamber and places it on the marble pedestal to the right of the Speaker. When the House resolves itself into the Committee of the Whole (see p. 37), the mace is placed on a slightly lower pedestal. To restore order in the chamber, the Speaker may direct the Sergeant at Arms to take possession of the mace and present it before an unruly Member. The mace is made of 13 thin ebony rods representing the 13 original states and topped by a silver eagle astride a silver globe. Crafted by New York silversmith William Adams, the current House Mace has been in use since 1841. British military forces destroyed the original mace when they burned the Capitol in 1814; a wooden mace was used during the intervening years." The People's House: A Guide to Its History, Spaces, and Traditions*.

The Robert F. Kennedy Building: Celebrating Art and Architecture on the 85th Anniversary, 1934-2019*

The Department of Justice first opened in 1934; it now houses murals and structural elements inspired by and related to justice in America. "This landmark is home not only to the agencies of the Department of Justice; it also houses a unique collection of art that illustrates the roles its occupants play in preserving our nation’s laws and interests. This book has been created to give a glimpse inside those halls, and to show how the Robert F. Kennedy Building’s art relates to the efforts put forth by the Department and its people."

Read about the new U.S. Department of Justice Museum on the Department of Justice website. It is scheduled to open in July 2026.

Below are some suggested searches to help you find other publications like these in the article.

• mods:physicalDescription:extent:illustrations and subjecttopic:art and building
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*This content was harvested from online sources of the original hosting or authoring agency and may not reflect current policy. As Federal agencies add publications to their websites or report new publications to GPO per statutory mandate (44 U.S.C. §§ 1710, 1902-1903), GPO ensures long-term preservation of and access to the content.

About Featured Content Articles - This series of articles aims to highlight content available in GovInfo related to various national observances, commemorations, anniversaries, and more. See more featured content articles.