The Members of Congress Room
North Fireplace's Mosaic Panel Representing Law

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The north fireplace mantel is Siena marble with a cornice supported on columns of pavonazzo marble. In the center of the cornice is a cartouche of labradorite or Labrador spar. Frederick Dielman created the mosaic panel over the fireplace, which is approximately 7 1/2 feet wide and 3 feet 7 inches high. The mosaic represents Law with a young woman on a marble throne holding a sword in one hand to chastise the guilty and a palm branch in the other hand to reward the meritorious. Glory surrounds her head and on her breast is the aegis of Minerva, signifying she is clad in the armor of righteousness and wisdom. The scales of Justice, the book of Law, and a pair of white doves symbolizing mercy are on the steps.

The friends of Law are on one side of the throne. These figures include Industry with a wheel and hammer, Peace with an olive branch and crown, and Truth with lilies. The enemies of Law are on the other side. The old woman represents Fraud, the figure with disordered clothing and the serpent is Discord, and Violence wears a steel cap, holds a sword in one hand, and has a lighted torch lying on the ground before him. The friends of Law appear to be approaching History, while her enemies shrink from her presence.

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