New sculptures to be revealed at the July 10 Capitol Square Open House and Celebration
/The sculptor Delissalde modeling the clay for the allegory of Hope.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Surrounded by the recently restored 1888 decorative paint, four new bronze sculptures now stand in niches in the rotunda of the Wyoming Capitol.
The public can view the new sculptures for the first time and learn more about the entire project at the July 10 Capitol Square Open House and Celebration.
In 1886, the architect of the Capitol building included in his design, four niches on the third floor level the rotunda to be filled with four sculptures. These sculptures were never commissioned. At the start of the Capitol restoration project, the decision was made to fill the niches. After an international search, the artist Delissalde was commissioned to create four bronze sculptures.
Delissalde created a group of four feminine allegories, “The Four Sisters,” which represent key values and attributes of Wyoming and its citizens. The oldest sister, “Truth,” leads the way, illuminating the path for Wyoming’s pioneers. Next, “Justice” sets the course for Wyomingites to live freely and peacefully. “Courage” allows us to carry on, encouraging and supporting us through hard times. The youngest sister, “Hope,” inspires us to continue striving for the future, building the Wyoming we aspire for.
Delissalde’s life is a journey in the quest for beauty. His early classical training in sculpting and painting took place in the European tradition at the Atelier Guillman and the National School of Sculpture and Painting in Mexico City. He also holds degrees in chemistry, theology and philosophy, which reveal an artist genuinely and relentlessly engaged in the human quest for beauty. A citizen of the United States, Delissalde was born and raised in Mexico City and currently works in his Atelier in Denver.
The public can view the Four Sisters at the July 10 Capitol Square Open House and Celebration beginning at noon. To view more photos of the restoration project and the public schedule for the July 10 festivities, visit http://www.wyomingcapitolsquare.com/.
The sculpture, Courage, is raised three floors and placed in the niche.
The sculptures are gently hoisted into place in the rotunda.
Truth is moved into place. Each sculpture weighs between 600-700 pounds and stands about 9 feet tall.
The decorative painting in the rotunda and many other spaces in the Capitol has been restored to match the painting from the original construction. Bronzes will fill the four niches.
The rotunda before the restoration.
1902 photo, courtesy of Wyoming State Archives, Stimson Collection.
EverGreene Architectural Arts touches up the 1888 trompe l’oeil pattern in the rotunda. This style of painting created an illusion of a three-dimensional effect through the use of highlights and shadows in the painting process.
Before the restoration project.
After the restoration and just before the sculptures were put in the niches.
