The East Pediment is often missed by visitors because it is located at the rear of the building.
The sculptural group was designed by Hermon A. MacNeil, an artist who studied under the masters of classical
architecture and design. Cass Gilbert, the building’s architect, worked closely with MacNeil to create
the thirteen allegorical figures featured.
The inscription- Justice the Guardian of Liberty- is one of the few architectural decisions
made directly by a Justice. Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes, displeased with the suggested inscription, Equal Justice is the Foundation of Liberty, wrote a note to Justice Willis Van Devanter stating, "I
rather prefer Justice the Guardian of Liberty." Van Devanter agreed and a few days later, Chief Justice Hughes sent the alternative inscription to the David Lynn, the Architect of the Capitol, informing him that "We think that the inscription for the East Portico can be improved."
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