New York's Little Demon
by Carol Lynn Coronios
Title
New York's Little Demon
Artist
Carol Lynn Coronios
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The New York State Capitol building took several architects and 32 years to complete. In 1899 (and millions over budget), Governor Theodore Roosevelt declared it DONE. All work was stopped - even though some details were not completed.
I worked in this magnificent building for 10 years, and never ceased to marvel at the exquisite stonework - which was, of course, all done by hand. No two corner pieces are identical - and there must be hundreds of them. The stone masons carved intricate faces and details into every nook and cranny. Some of the faces are historic; others are guessed to be friends and family of the masons. The Senate staircase depicts the evolution - from prehistoric fish to current mammals.
Recent renovation uncovered skylights which had been painted black during World War II.
Daily tours are open to the public, but school children by the hundreds from all over the state tour the building annually. The favorite attraction is this little demon, the last stop on the tour. The dark area around his face is from years of matches or lighters being held up to illuminate this tiny face. Tour guides now use flashlights. No one knows exactly what the mason was trying to leave behind when he carved this face, but legend has it he was fired and carved the demonic icon to put a curse on the building. Thank goodness, other than political issues, the curse hasn't worked.
Uploaded
July 16th, 2014
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Viewed 382 Times - Last Visitor from Beverly Hills, CA on 03/19/2024 at 12:34 AM
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Comments (2)
Patricia Greer
Congratulations ! This wonderful image has been featured in Women Photographers - One A Day.
Carol Lynn Coronios replied:
Thank you, Patricia! It's a fun little tidbit - and always enthralls kids of all ages!