Architectural Aspects

        Well, the Supreme Court is a respectable building which was built by the respectable sculptor, Nolli. This artistic bloke supplied all of the exterior granolithic plaster and precast work except for the porch frieze and several coats of arms. I would say his most major contribution was the 13-ton panel that rests snug within a 36-foot long pediment. He had a very good Italian assistant, Marelli. However, their work was exhausting and it took one year to complete the sculptural allegory of justice. Well, as you know, the most exquisite art works are results of hard work. So, good job boys!

        Just for your information, the figure of Justice is at the centre of the frieze. It is one huge piece of art. It is about nine feet (2.7m) high and weighs a hefty 4 tonnes! Wow! To think I thought it looked like styrofoam. Anyway, it is flanked by a pair of kneeling figures. One is begging for protection while the other is giving thanks for the benefit received from the protection of the Law and Justice. Did you know? One of the figures was modelled after Nolli's only child, Lina Brunner, who was then a young woman just back with her father after years of schooling in Italy. Wow, perhaps the artistic blood really flows in Nolli's family.

        If you all would look to the extreme left, you will see the figure of Deceit and Violence, followed by legislators with books in hand, representing the Law. To the extreme right, there is a bull representing for Wealth and Prosperity. Lastly, there are two children with a sheath of ripened wheat representing Abundance derived from Law and Justice. Nolli sure has a great sense of art. He not only could express important elements of Justice and the Law, he could also express them through using many different kinds of characters and animals. Quite creative! Bravo!

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