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Illinois Capitol was Once Without Artwork
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Historians say the Illinois Capitol was likely undecorated when it first opened 134 years ago.

The State Journal-Registers in Springfield reports that Illinois State Historical Society president Mark Sorensen says it appears none of the building's walls or ceilings were decorated, but the governor's office may have been decorated.

There also were two white plaster statues in the Capitol. One was of Abraham Lincoln and the other of Stephen A. Douglas. They were made by Chicago sculptor Leonard Volk. In 1896 the statues were painted bronze and moved to the Capitol rotunda.

The newspaper reports Sorenson was charged with putting artwork in the Capitol in 1988. That was the 100 year anniversary of when the building was considered finished.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
01 29 11 by Newsroom
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