9 × 6 7/8 in. (22.9 × 17.5 cm)
Framed: 17 × 14 1/8 in. (43.2 × 35.9 cm)
Accession Number
2009.088.000
Credit Line
Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives
Object Details
The Art Nouveau-inspired style of this book illustration is a departure from the more straightforward images of the Capitol featured in illustrated newspapers, not only in style but in content. At the turn of the 20th century, the McMillan Commission—a Congressional organization charged with urban improvement—undertook a massive effort to revitalize and beautify Washington, D.C. A particular achievement was moving the railroad depot off the National Mall and transforming the area into a unified park, thus providing leafy views of the Capitol, such as this one.