Capitol Building in Washington D.C. and Pantheon:similarities and differences

Introduction 

The Capitol Building, which is often referred to as the United States Capitol, is a building within Washington D.C. that houses the United States Congress. Additionally, the building hosts the legislative arm of the federal government. The building was completed in 1800 and remains to be symbolic to the political history of the United States considering the fact that it has been able to house some of the well-known political leaders in the country. From an artistic point of view, it is clear that the design structure of the Capitol Building is highly similar to some of the buildings in the Ancient Rome. In seeking to understanding its resemblance to Ancient Rome architecture, this report will seek to compare it to Pantheon, which is one of the notable buildings in Rome, Italy, that was designed by architect Apollodorus of Damascus.

Material 

The Capitol building presents major similarities with architecture of the Ancient Rome considering that the designers of the building focused on using materials that were available in Ancient Rome. When developing the design of the building, Thomas Jefferson, who was then the United States Secretary of State, indicated that the design would reflect the Roman culture as a way of giving it a connection to the world. The two main materials used as part of the construction process were sandstone and marble. Sandstone was the main material that was used in the initial construction of the building and in its subsequent expansions. Additionally, the sandstone was used during the construction of the Capitol Dome. Marble has been used mainly on parts of the floor and columns, which provides lining to the building to help give it a well-structured architectural design.

Decorations 

The designers of the building capitalized on enhancing decorations using art and murals in a bid to create a reflection of different cultures and social backgrounds. An example can be seen from the 1865 fresco, referred to as The Apotheosis of Washington, which was painted by Constantino Brumidi, who was a Greek Italian painter, covering the interior of the Capitol Dome. On the walls of the building, the focus is on the use of animals, insects, and flora that are native in the United States, which is an aspect that helps in appreciating nature. The building also incorporates statues including the Car of History, which seeks to depict Clio. Basically, the building has incorporated different approaches to decoration with the focus being towards creating a close connection to the Americans coming to visit the building.

Attitude 

The attitude that a majority of Americans hold towards the Capitol Building is rather positive considering that this is a building that symbolizes the United States of America. The building has been rather historic in every aspect of the country including its political and socioeconomic backgrounds. It is from this perspective that most of the people are able to identify with it as a symbol of unity among the American people. At the moment, every person within the United States is able to recognize with the building attributed to the fact that it hosts the legislative arm of the United States federal government. That means that persons are able to identify by it in instances where congressmen and women made decisions that are reflective of the American people.

Similarities Between Capital Building and Pantheon 

When evaluating the Capitol Building and Pantheon, one is able to take note of several key similarities. Firstly, it is important to take note of the fact that both buildings have been constructed using sandstone and marbles, which is a reflection of their similarities in cultural backgrounds. Kleiner (2010), in his evaluation of Pantheon, indicates that, “Only in rare instances, such as the Pantheon, with its marble-faced walls and floors (fig. 7-51), can visitors experience anything approaching the architects’ intended effects” (p.201). That seeks to show that indeed one of the key materials that was used in the construction of Pantheon was marble. The other key similarity between these two buildings is that both utilize Corinthian columns that seek to create a resemblance to the temples that were created in Ancient Rome. The columns hold up cast iron domes in both buildings, which give them a rather ancient outlook that reflects on their connection to the Ancient Roman society.

Differences Between Capital Building and Pantheon 

When evaluating difference between Capital Building and Pantheon, the main difference can be seen from the extension of the Capitol Building, which was aimed to accommodate more chambers and halls. From this perspective, the Capitol Building has become rather suitable for government functions considering that it has the ability to accommodate different halls, which include the National Mall. For the Pantheon, the main building is cylindrical behind the front structure, which makes it one of the biggest domes reinforced with concrete in the world today. Previously, Pantheon was utilized as a temple but is currently operating as a church but is open to the public, who are allowed to come and enjoy its architectural outlook.

References

Kleiner, F. S. (2010).  Gardner's Art Through the Ages: The Western Perspective. Volume I . Wadsworth.