Windows are markers of time. Sometimes overlooked, we tend to ignore the ornate details in both glass and the casing. These details can give us insight into the moment in time, the artist, and the occupants.
The Statue of Liberty is one of the biggest examples of how windows can give us insight into such things. With windows that were intentionally designed to symbolize specific ideologies, we can see inside the creator’s head and interpret his thoughts in this light.
Since 1886, the Statue of Liberty has been a symbol of freedom and hope for people from around the world, a sign that new opportunities lie just around the corner. The interesting thing about the statue is symbolism is also used within the designs of the individual parts of the statue. Since this is less talked about than that of the statue as a whole, it is not as well known and thus is one of the many “secrets” the statue still holds even after 135 years.
Conceived in the 1860’s by French antislavery activist Édouard de Laboulaye and later brought to life by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the statue was originally created to represent an alliance between America and France. An alliance that represented freedom and liberty for all people around the world.
Atop Lady Liberty’s head sits a crown, inside the crown are 25 windows. Each window represents one of the 25 gemstones found on Earth:
Garnet
Amethyst
Aquamarine
Jade
Diamond
Emerald
Alexandrite
Pearl
Moonstone
Ruby
peridot
Spinel
Sapphire
Lapis lazuli
Opal
Rubellite
Topaz
Citrine
Tanzanite
Turquoise
Zircon
Shiny lemon stone
Morganite gemstone
Onyx gemstone
Paraiba tourmaline
Each stone is represented by a separate pane of glass that overlooks the water and watches all the boats/people coming and going.
Atop the crown sit seven “rays”. Just as the windows represent the gemstones of Earth, the seven rays represent the seven seas (Artic, North Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Pacific, South Pacific, Indian and Southern) and the seven continents (Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America) of the world.
In her hand, the statue holds symbolism within the torch. This torch, which “lights the path for all those who come to America” was created to symbolize freedom and enlightenment, aligning the individual message with the statue as a whole.
Whether it is a pane of glass in representation of earth’s jewels, or they are curved to illuminate on water, windows carry much representation through history. We’re proud to be part of a city with such historic symbolism. For more information and interesting tidbits visit: https://adventure.howstuffworks.com/20-facts-about-the-statue-of-liberty.htm.