Dome of U.S. Capitol, ribs of cupola, second section – Antique Print
![Dome of U.S. Capitol, ribs of cupola, second section, [between ca. 1852 and ca. 1860] — historic photograph](https://images.jameslantos.com/img/63/6369f9ea578b-L.jpg)
(Originally scanned by the Library of Congress. Each image is professionally and digitally cleaned of artifacts such as color bars and extra borders prior to printing.)
Description
This rare historic photograph captures Dome of U.S. Capitol, ribs of cupola, second section in remarkable detail. The original is held by the Library of Congress, so what you hang is a true record of its time.
Order it framed and ready to hang, or unframed to match a frame you already love. It makes a striking addition to a living room, study or office, and a thoughtful gift. Free shipping in the lower 48 states. Snapshots of the Past, founded in 2001, has served tens of thousands of customers worldwide.
Dome of U.S. Capitol, ribs of cupola, second section
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Rather than the finished dome, this view shows the skeleton of the cupola, with the ribs of its second section rising into view. The Capitol's original wood and brick dome was replaced in the 1850s by a larger cast-iron structure designed by architect Thomas U. Walter. The caption card is unverified, so the exact date is uncertain, but the photograph fits the years when the iron framework was going up above the rotunda. Images like this record engineering work that is hidden once the dome is finished.
| Created / published | [between ca. 1852 and ca. 1860] |
|---|---|
| Medium | 1 photographic print. |
| Notes | This record contains unverified data from caption card. |
| Source | Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division |
| Original scan | 1,536 × 872 px · prints to 5 × 3 in at 300 dpi |
| Reference | AMZ-SOTP-HPA-160179 |
More from the U.S. Capitol collection
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![[United States Capitol (Washington, D.C.). Dome details. Second story. Elevation, section, and plans. Rendering.] / Tho. U. Walter, architect, Washington, D.C.](https://images.jameslantos.com/img/3e/3e3f5d1ad901-400.webp)



![[United States Capitol (Washington, D.C.). Dome. Main ribs. Exterior brackets. Rendered plans, sections, elevations, perspectives, and details] / W.B. Franklin, capt. top engs. ; Tho. U. Walter, archt.](https://images.jameslantos.com/img/3f/3f8314a678f4-400.webp)