group. Her figure, like that of all the others, is colossal, and fully, (perhaps too fully,) covered with drapery. She stands on a broad unadorned plinth, and her right hand holds a shield, inscribed in the centre with the letters U. S. A. surround ed with a glory. The shield, which is of an oval form, rests on a slender altar, on the front of which is an oaken wreath in has relief, with the words "July 4, 1776," within it. Behind her rests a spear. Her head, crowned with a star, is turned over her left shoulder toward the figure of Hope, to whose animated address she seems to be listening with attention, but with calm self-possession. Hope is an enchanting, airy figure, full of fire. She gazes upon the Genius with smiles, lifts her right arm and hand into the air, as in an attitude of delighted anticipation, while she seems to be dwelling on the rising glories and all the halcyon prospects of the republic. Her left elbow rests on the stock of an anchor, and the left hand is bent upwards, grasping in her eagerness, a part of her drapery. But the Genius, to whom she speaks, instead of catching her enthusiasm, points with emphatic dignity to the object on her right. This is Justice: a cold chastened figure, with eyes raised toward heaven, holding in her right hand an unrolling scroll, on which the words " Constitution of the United States" appear in raised letters of gold. Her left arm is elevated, and bears the scales. She has neither bandage nor sword; for in our free and happy country Justice is clear sighted, and stands with open face, respecting and comparing the rights of all; and it is in this, rather than in her punitive energies, that she is the object of the veneration of freemen. The moral of the whole is just and striking. However Hope may flatter, America will regard only that prosperity which is founded on public right and the preservation of the Constitution. Such is the design: and the execution is worthy of it. The figures have grace and elevation: much of the "mens divinior" which is about the works of the ancients. The artist at first contemplated giving more of nudity; but he was warned that the public sentiment in this country would not admit of it, and in his caution, he has gone into the opposite extreme. The head of Justice is covered with a fold of her mantle, which projects in a graceful form, and which, could the sun reach these figures when at the necessary elevation, would cast a fine shadow on the upper part of the countenance. But it happens, unfortunately, that this can never take place: as, before he climbs to that angle, the pediment is either partially shaded by the cornice, or, together with the whole eastern front of the building, deserted by his rays altogether. The Eagle, which is at the feet of the Genius, and between her and the figure of Hope, is one of the most masterly features in the design. Not only is the general outline of the bird strikingly true to nature, but the finish of every part of it beautiful in the extreme. Its head is raised, and turned upward-toward the countenance of America, while its wings are partially expanded, in act to rise, as if ready and eager to fly at her command.
To point out defects is an invidious task, and one of the least welcome duties of criticism. There is so much of excellence; the general idea, (which was suggested by Mr. Adams, after upwards of forty designs had been offered and rejected,) has been so fully and so happily expressed, that strictures on the drapery or on the execution of particular limbs in the figures have an ungracious bearing. We will mention but two faults which strike the eve. The arm of the Genius which rests upon the shield, is somewhat constrained; she seems to be holding the shield that it may be looked at, rather than reclining her arm upon it with unconscious ease. And the right arm of Hope, which is elevated, appears to be too wide at the wrist, a fault which impairs the lightness and delicacy that characterize the residue of the figure. But these slight defects are overlooked among the many beauties which surround