| Title | Wisdom |
| Artist/Maker | Lee Oscar Lawrie (1877 - 1963) |
| Date | Modeled 1950, Carved 1950 |
| Medium | Marble |
| Dimensions | h. 33 x w. 68.5 in. ( h. 83.8 x w. 174 cm) |
| Credit Line | U.S. Senate Collection |
| Accession Number | 25.00010.000 |
In 1949 the architect of the Capitol began extensive remodeling in the Senate Chamber. As part of this project, Maryland sculptor Lee Lawrie, one of the premier American artists of his day, was selected to design relief panels for placement above the three entrance doors in the Chamber. The artist was paid a total of $4,500 for the commission. Each panel had a different carver, with Edward H. Ratti of the Bronx, New York, selected to execute Wisdom on location in the Chamber. The other panels are Courage and Patriotism.
While modeling the three panels, Lawrie also designed the ornamental bronze clock located above the vice president’s desk in the Senate Chamber.
