U.S. Capitol Building - Washington DC

View of the Apotheosis of Washington.

The "Apotheosis of Washington" shows George Washington rising to the heavens in glory, flanked by female figures representing Liberty and Victory. A rainbow arches at his feet and 13 maidens representing the original states flank the 3 central figures.

The word "apotheosis" in the title means literally the raising of a person to the rank of a god, or the glorification of a person as an ideal. In this fresco, George Washington was honored as a national icon in the nineteenth century.