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Capitol Interior (third) — Genius of Wisconsin
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Marble sculpture "Genius of Wisconsin" created by Helen Farnsworth Mears. It was commissioned by the Milwaukee Women's Club and, after being executed in marble by the Piccirilli Brothers, it was displayed at the Columbian Exposition in 1893. "Genius" was located in the Rotunda of the third Wisconsin State Capitol before the turn of the century, but it escaped damage during the fire of 1904. Today it is on exhibit at the southeast entrance to the first floor (one story above ground) in the present Wisconsin State Capitol.
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W01360K
WHi 7074
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"Genius of Wisconsin" Statue
"Genius of Wisconsin" statue, originally sculpted by Helen Mears for the Columbian Exposition of 1893. It was later recreated in marble by the Piccirilli Brothers and funded by women of Wisconsin. ...
"Genius of Wisconsin" Statue
2002
"Genius of Wisconsin" statue, which was originally sculpted by Helen Mears for the Columbian Exposition of 1893. It was later recreated in marble by the Piccirilli Brothers and funded by women of W...
Surveying Fire Damage
February 1904
A close-up of the damage caused to the third Wisconsin State Capitol by the fire of February 26-27, showing the first floor, and looking west through the Rotunda toward the exit. Close scrutiny of ...
Genius of Wisconsin Sculpture at Wisconsin State Capitol
1900
The sculpture, "Genius of Wisconsin" by Helen Farnsworth Mears, displayed in the rotunda of the third Wisconsin State Capitol. On the right is a display case of Wisconsin Civil War flags; a gasligh...
Helen Farnsworth Mears
1893
Portrait of Oshkosh native Helen Farnsworth Mears, age 20, at the time of the unveiling of her sculpture, "Genius of Wisconsin," on display at the southwest entrance of the Wisconsin State Capitol....
Proposed Wisconsin State Capitol Dome Statue
Model of statue by Helen Farnsworth Mears that was rejected as "too heavy and bulky looking" for the top of the Wisconsin State Capitol.
