Capitol Rotunda Muses
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The Muse of Education sits next
to a lamp, representing learning, which burns fiercely despite broad
daylight. With one hand she steadies a ball which represents
open-mindedness and lack of prejudice. In the other hand she holds
an open two-pointed compass, a traditional way of symbolizing such
dual disciplines as logic and philosophy or grammar and letters. The
compass as poised above two books and a scroll suggests the educated
person should take the measure of what he or she is taught. The
identity of the small figure in the background is unclear. It may be
a monkey or small ape, a traditional symbol of the arts and letters,
underscoring the importance of imitation in learning.
Michigan History Magazine (January/February 1999) |
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