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Representation of the United States Capitol, at Washington, with the New Wings / Interior View of the United States House of Representatives, at Washington, D.C.

Page from Gleason’s Pictorial Drawing-Room Companion, with two hand-colored prints and part of an article. The top print, titled “Representation of the United States Capitol, At Washington with the New Wings,” depicts the East Front of the Capitol, with large extensions and small blue domes, and grounds. The article reads, “. . . covering 92,000 feet, or over two acres. These additions are to be constructed white marble. The general style of architecture will be consistent with that of the present building, with such projections and porticoes upon all the disconnected sides as tend to produce an agreeable composition with the present structure. They will contain nearly one hundred additional rooms, for the accommodation of committees and other purposes connected with legislation. The new Representative Hall, which will be located in the second story of the south wing, will have three hundred seats within the bar, and, it is believed, ample accommodations on the floor for all privileged persons. The Senate Hall, which will occupy the west front of the north wing, will have one hundred seats within the bar, and space, correspondingly with that of the other House, for those privileged to enter upon the floor. The galleries to each will be arranged to accommodate between one and two thousand spectators. Each wing will have a large and elegant portico for the exclusive use of the members of the two Houses.” The bottom print, titled “Interior View of the United States House of Representatives, at Washington, D.C.” shows the Old Hall of the House with Members at their desks./tiles/collection/4/4365.xml
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Page from Gleason’s Pictorial Drawing-Room Companion, with two hand-colored prints and part of an article. The top print, titled “Representation of the United States Capitol, At Washington with the New Wings,” depicts the East Front of the Capitol, with large extensions and small blue domes, and grounds. The article reads, “. . . covering 92,000 feet, or over two acres. These additions are to be constructed white marble. The general style of architecture will be consistent with that of the present building, with such projections and porticoes upon all the disconnected sides as tend to produce an agreeable composition with the present structure. They will contain nearly one hundred additional rooms, for the accommodation of committees and other purposes connected with legislation. The new Representative Hall, which will be located in the second story of the south wing, will have three hundred seats within the bar, and, it is believed, ample accommodations on the floor for all privileged persons. The Senate Hall, which will occupy the west front of the north wing, will have one hundred seats within the bar, and space, correspondingly with that of the other House, for those privileged to enter upon the floor. The galleries to each will be arranged to accommodate between one and two thousand spectators. Each wing will have a large and elegant portico for the exclusive use of the members of the two Houses.” The bottom print, titled “Interior View of the United States House of Representatives, at Washington, D.C.” shows the Old Hall of the House with Members at their desks.
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Date

1852-03-13

Publication

Gleason's Pictorial Drawing Room Companion

Publisher

Frederick Gleason

Dimensions

15 1/2 x 11 in. (39.4 x 27.9 cm)

Accession Number

2006.243.001

Credit Line

Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives

Object Details

Two images of the Capitol in transition are included on this page. The exterior view shows the Capitol with its new extended wings, but with no sign of the familiar white dome. The interior scene shows the old House Chamber packed with Members and visitors, and includes a view of the elaborately draped Speaker’s rostrum and the sculpture of Liberty and the Eagle on the ledge above it. This Chamber remained in use until 1857, when the new wing was ready for occupation.

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Office of the Historian: history@mail.house.gov
Office of Art & Archives, Office of the Clerk: art@mail.house.gov, archives@mail.house.gov