"Details of Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol Extension," by Thomas U. Walter, ink and watercolor on paper, 1855

In the 1850s, Philadelphia architect Thomas U. Walter designed new north and south wings for the Capitol that included much needed space for the expanding Congress. The artistic quality of Walter's draftsmanship is clearly demonstrated in this sheet showing a corner of the new Senate chamber. Mythological figures were drawn in the niches that would later be occupied by busts of early vice presidents.

Architect of the Capitol