This 1851 view of the busy Old House Chamber appeared in an unknown publication. Although not perfectly rendered, the details are surprisingly inclusive. The sculptural group above the Speaker’s rostrum, although somewhat indistinct, includes both the eagle and snake that flank the female personification of the Constitution. The painting over the fireplace, vaguely depicting a man standing at a table, is likely a schematic rendering of John Vanderlyn’s George Washington portrait.
