Collection An Artist Visits the White House Past
From its construction in 1792, until the 1902 renovation that shaped the modern identity and functions of the interior of the White...
Constructing the Capitol: Early Design
- Date of Work
- ca. 1793-1797
- Type
- Architectural Drawing
Constructing the Capitol: Early Design
Keenly interested in art and architecture, William Thornton was skilled enough as a draftsman to create an innovative design for the Capitol that met with President Washington's ideas for the building.
Unwilling and unable to superintend construction, a series of professional architects were given control of the works at the Capitol and were dismissed for insubordination after attempts to change Thornton's plan. Eventually, James Hoban, the White House architect, guided completion of the north (Senate) wing in 1798.
Design for the Capitol, East Elevation, ca. 1793-1797.
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