Corn Capital, by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 1809

Architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe designed six sandstone columns for the vestibule of the original Senate Chamber. He depicted stalks, husks, cobs, and kernels of corn to create a unique column style—“corn order.” Installed in 1809, the columns are among the few architectural features that survived Britain’s 1814 burning of the Capitol.

First image:
Collection of the U.S. Senate

Second image:
Architect of the Capitol