Look up at the sculpture, Law, Prosperity, and Power, that stands tall before us. You may not realize it, given its peaceful pose, but this marble masterpiece is a symbol of fierce ambition.
This work of art was originally placed atop the U.S. Post Office and Federal Building, completed in 1884. Imagine, this place was a buzz of activity, hundreds of people going about their daily business.
The majestic Law, Prosperity, and Power sculpture stands three stories high, overlooking the city with its symbolic figures. The central figure is Law, a woman with a tablet in her hands, a symbol of justice and wisdom. She strides forward, her cloak flowing, her presence commanding. On her right sits Power, represented by a seated man, his bare chest symbolizing his strength and authority. On her left, is Prosperity, a seated woman holding a cornucopia, representing wealth and abundance.
But this sculpture has a story beyond its majestic form. It had a long and intricate journey before it found its home in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. In 1937, the original U.S. Post Office and Federal Building was demolished, and the sculpture was saved from destruction. It was relocated to Fairmount Park by the Fairmount Park Art Association, now the Association for Public Art, where it still stands today.
The Law, Prosperity, and Power sculpture, a reminder of the ambitions and values of our nation’s past, continues to inspire and captivate those who encounter it.