The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1859-06-25
The Doors of The Capitol.

tor Rogers is making for the Capitol at
Washington
II found nothing in the studios Of the
sculptors in Rome which interested me
quite as much as the doors which Rogers
had been making for the Capitol at Wash
iDgton. There seems to be no diversity
of opinion about this work, even among
artists. All agree that it is an eminent
success, creditable alike to the. country
and the artist. The casts are now at the
foundry in Munich.
The life of Columbus is the artists
text. He has selected what he regards
as the nine most picturesque events of
the eventful career of the most illustrious
of navigators, and has appropriated one
to each of the eight panels and the arch
of which the door is composed, four PAN
els being on each leaf. Thus each panel
contains finished picture in alto relieve.
The series of designs commences at the
lowest panel on the left, and they are
numbered upwards to the arch-which is
the fifth representation then descending,
they are numbered downwards to the
ninth and last.
No. represents Columbus before the
court of Salamanca, endeavoring to con-
vince them of the existence of another
continent, and the possibility of discover
ing it. Discouraged by their objections
and defended by their opposition, he re-
tired to the convent of La Rabida, whose
prior, Juan Parez, henceforth became his
constant friend. From La Rabida he
entered into negotiations with the King
of Portugal, and offered him the service
Spain had declined. In the meantime,
Isabella, actuated partly by the arguments
of the good friar, whose guest Columbus
remained, agreed to give second hearing
to his propositions, and sent him a sum
of money to equip himself and purchase
a mule.
No. represents Columbus leaving the
convent on the mule presented by the
Queen. He is in the act of bidding fare
we'll to the good fathers, who crowd the
archways of the portico and cluster around
their friend, giving him their benedic-
ton, and not forgetting the refreshment
of the poor animal, to whom they are
offering a draught of water.
No. 8 shows Columbus before Ferdi-
nand and Isabella, after his return to
court. Columbus stands in the foreground,
the chief figure of the piece, and with
appraised head and outstretched arm is
urging his suit. Ferdinand shows his
indifference by leaning back in his seat
inattentive, while the ardent Isabella
bends forward, eagerly catching every
word which falls from the orators lips.
No. 4. The departure of Columb bus
from Palos, the port from which he sailed
in quest of the New World. He stands
with his left foot planted on the gang
plank, ready to enter the caraval when
he has said farewell to his friends.
No. 5. The landing at San Salvador
Columbus occupies the center of the
picture, and is elevated above the sur
rounding group. He holds in one hand
a sword and in the other the banner of
Leon and CASTLE, and is taking posses
sion of the country in the name of his
sovereigns. 1t is the largest of the rep
reservations, occupying the space of two
panels. The filling up is beautiful and
varied. On the left hand is the vessel, on
which some of the Adventures still re-
main; then Columbus, elevated on point
of rock. Between the carayal and him
self are ardent mariners, some wading in
the water, some just touching land, all
in attitude expressive of joy and thanks
giving. To the right the space on the
margin of the picture is filled with In
dams, secreting themselves behind the
trees.
No. 6. Erecting the cross on the Island
of Hispaniola.
No. Z. Entering Barcelona on horse
back, and in triumph, on his return to
Spain.
No. s. Leaving the town of Isabella in
chains, prisoner, and succeeded in his
command by Bobadilla.
No. 9. The death of Columbus.
On the rails which divide the panels
horizontally are six portrait busts of the
historians of that time who wrote about
the discovery of America, namely
Peter Martyr, Las Casas, Diego Mendez,
Mendoza, Bernal Disz and Marco Polo.
On the lower rails are two ideal busts of
Indians; on the upper are two busts OF
squsws-in all, sixteen. ..s
Under the statuettes, forming bracket,
are introduced heads of American ami
mails, supporting the plynths of the fig
ures, combined with wreaths of flowers,
and emblems of the arts and sciences,
&C., of America. Over the statuettes are
the emblems of the three theological vir-
tues, Faith, Hope and Charity, aad the
emblem of Justice. On the door posts
are allegorical figures, representing the
four quarters of the globe-Europe to the
left Of panel No. l, Asia to the left Of
panel No. 4, Africa to the right of panel
No. 6, America to the right Of pane
No. 8.
The posts are also very richly decorated
with animals, birds, fruit, foliage, &C.
On the center of the arch above is bus
of Columbus to the right is figure o.
Victory; to the left is figure of Fame
Below these figures are arms, helmlets
shields, banners, &C., the emblems o
conquest.
"Such is brief description of the plal
of this charming composition, which
every one praises, and which no one crit
cises, and that can be said of nothing els
in Rome that saw. / am sorry to lear
that Mr.. Rogers is not likely to receiv
any adequate compensation for his labo
on this work, except in glory, as it
quite certain to cost him some three o
four thousand dollars more that the con
tract which the Government entities hin
to- When the members Of Congress, how
ever, come to see these doors moving o.
their hinges, / have no doubt they wi
cheerfuiiy take the steps necessary to Sc
cure to him Naturalization for his expen
ses, if not an adequate remuneration fc
his work.