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The Abraham Lincoln Monument
The Abraham Lincoln memorial is a monument built by the American government in honor of the country’s 34th president. It is located on the far western side of the National Hall in Washington DC. The monument has been one of the greatest tourist attraction sites in America. This paper focuses on the monuments visual analysis regarding architecture, painting, meaning, and purpose as well as consequences.
The exterior of the monument as seen takes the architecture of an ancient Greek temple and is decorated with marbles. The monument measures about thirty meters tall and is surrounded by about thirty-six Doric columns that support it. (Kenney and Hunt, 11). The 36 column represents the total number of states in unison at the time of Lincoln’s demise. Two distinct columns stand at the entrance of the monument. These columns and the wall are inclined towards the interior of the monument. These columns are probably designed like this to prevent the structure from bulging at the top compared to the bottom part. This is a common feature in Greek architecture. Each column on its upper side are the names of all the states in unison before the demise of Lincoln.Each state is written directly above a specific column. Separating these names of the states are double wreath medallions. The cornice of this monument has projecting lion heads and is composed of some curved scroll. Above this cornice, towards the arctic frieze are names of forty-eight states who had now joined the union by the time it was being dedicated to Lincoln. Slightly above the cornice, there is a garland that has some carvings which resemble ribbons supported by the wings of eagles at the troughs. The structure stands on a concrete foundation. It is surrounded by a rectangular wall decorated with granite.
The monuments interior is divided into three chambers by two rows made of for ionic columns. The three chambers are central, north and chambers. The photo focuses on the central chamber that houses the Lincoln statue. The ceiling of this chamber appears to be made of bronze. Perhaps bronze was chosen for this purpose due to its durability. The bronze ornamented with oak leaves decorations. Between the bronze girders are a panel that seems translucent.
The Lincoln statue lies in this chamber and resembles Abraham Lincoln sited in contemplation. This carving was done by Piccirilli brothers, and it took them four years to complete. (Hankins, 2) The statue stands on a firm oblong pedestal made of Tennessee marble. Lincoln wears a well-fitting coat, and his arms rest on the chair sides perfectly in the picture. The fingers of his right hand are stretched, and those of his left hand are folded in an attempt to form a fist. The statue appears smooth in texture and beautifully decorated with marbles. Lincoln’s posture on the statue portrays an authoritative leader seated like a king on his throne. His stretched fingers of the right hand can be interpreted as an intention of giving direction. Lincoln is the 34th American president was expected to lead America to a better world, and his fingers in the statue portray this. The folded fist can be interpreted as a symbol of authority during his reign. The statue is bordered by two pillars and is raised high from the ground.
Consequences and implications of the monument
Although the Lincoln monument was built by the American government in commemoration of President Abraham Lincoln, it has become a major tourist attraction for both local and foreigners. It has also sparked a lot of arguments on what was the sole purpose of the monument. With many Americans viewing it as a sacred place. (Hankins, 9)In 1993, the monument became a sacred place for the civil rights movements in the United States.
The speeches of Abraham Lincoln that were engraved on the interior of the monument may be attributed to this. Abraham Lincoln was a democracy advocate and wanted equal rights for all hence there is no surprise in the civil rights movements of 1993 making it a sacred place for meeting and organizing their demonstrations. (Kenney and Hunt, 13) The monument has a lot of history attached to it. Martin Luther King Junior the revolutionist for equality in all races delivered his famous “I have dream” speech at this site where the monument is. It is estimated that over 250,000 people attended the event.
The thirty-six columns representing the states that were in the union at that time support the roof of the monument. The roof can be interpreted as the American nation that is built by the union of this columns/states. The monument seems to send a message of unity to the Americans and urge them to remain united for the sake of their great country; the United States of America.
The white painting on the exterior part of the monument symbolizes a peaceful America. The medallions on the cornice are a symbol of a royal and a superior nation.
Works cited
Hunkins, Chelsea. The Lincoln Memorial. New York: New York, Chelsea Clubhouse Publishers, 2010. Print book.
Kenney, Karen Latchanna, and Judith A Hunt. The Lincoln Memorial. Edina Minn, Magi Wagon Publishers, 2011. print Book.