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Charleston State Capitol Sculptures
Item 5 of 16
This is a contributing entry for Charleston State Capitol Sculptures and only appears as part of that tour.Learn More.
The east entrance to the capitol building features the final grouping of sculptures. The figures are Mercury, Vulcan, and Minerva, also known as Hermes, Hepaestus, and Athena, respectively. On the left is Mercury, messenger of the gods and readily identifiable thanks to his winged helmet. In the center is Vulcan, god of fire and patron of Blacksmiths. Though some myths identify Vulcan as ugly or crippled, this depiction includes strong features and a more idealized face. Lastly, Minerva rounds out the figures. She is the goddess of wisdom, justice, and the creative arts.

Mercury, Vulcan, and Minerva.

Sculpture, Wall, Carving, Jaw

Cartwright, Mark. Minerva, Ancient History Encyclopedia. January 7th 2014. Accessed January 13th 2021. https://www.ancient.eu/Minerva/.

Harding, James E. West Virginia Capitol Complex, National Register of Historic Places. April 11th 1974. Accessed January 12th 2021. http://www.wvculture.org/shpo/nr/pdf/kanawha/74002009.pdf.

Vulcan, Britannica. Accessed January 13th 2021. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Vulcan.

Wasson, Donald L. Mercury (Deity), Ancient History Encyclopedia. November 6th 2018. Accessed January 13th 2021. https://www.ancient.eu/Mercury_(Deity)/.

West Virginia Capitol Building, MH3WV. Accessed January 12th 2021. https://mh3wv.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/West-Virginia-State-Capitol-Building-MH3WV.pdf.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Accessed January 13, 2021. https://mh3wv.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/West-Virginia-State-Capitol-Building-MH3WV.pdf.