A Cherub at the U.S. Capitol Building

Overview

• Primary Subject: The United States Capitol building (Washington, D.C.), flanked by an allegorical winged putto / cherub. In Victorian decorative arts, this figure represents a classical putto (a secular, romanticized spirit of prosperity, inspiration, and guardianship) rather than a religious angel.
• Composition: Asymmetrical Rococo Revival standish featuring the putto seated upon a scrolled pedestal with lattice detail, raising one hand. The right side features a cast architectural relief of the Capitol’s East Front above a molded title bar reading CAPITOL.
• Inkwell & Pen Rest: Set into a cast foliate/acanthus collar is a heavy, bevel-edged clear glass block inkwell with an embossed floral/scroll gilt cap. Two tall, scrolling acanthus arms rise behind the inkwell to serve as a horizontal dip pen rack.

Origin, Maker & Era

• Date Range: Circa 1885–1905 (Gilded Age). The architectural profile depicts the Capitol with its completed cast-iron dome and extended House and Senate wings (finished in the 1860s), while the casting style and typography are characteristic of the 1890s turn-of-the-century period.
• Maker: Unidentified – probably an American metalware/novelty foundry. Companies frequently left souvenir castings unstamped.
• Material & Finish: Cast white metal (spelter/zinc alloy) finished in a multi-toned antique gilt and patinated bronze lacquer (“French bronze” finish), typical of late 19th-century cast-metal desk novelties.

Original Purpose: Souvenir vs. Patriotic Statement

This piece served as both:

1. High-End Travel Souvenir: Following the expansion of passenger rail in the late 19th century, Washington, D.C. became a premier domestic tourism destination. Upscale travelers purchased functional, heavy metal desk accessories in the capital to commemorate visits to federal landmarks.
2. Patriotic Desk Set: American foundries during the Gilded Age routinely blended popular European Rococo Revival decorative forms (cherubs, C-scrolls, lattice cartouches) with distinctly American civic pride motifs for home libraries and professional offices.