New York Capitol – ‘War Room’

Governor’s Reception Room

New York Capitol, Albany (5 April 2013)

There is just too much to see inside the New York Capitol in Albany to limit a post to one ‘Inside’ presentation. We will show the Governor’s Reception Room today and the ‘Million Dollar Staircase’ next.

As with many aspects of the New York capitol, what is now the Governor’s Reception Room has transformed over the years. The space was originally conceived as a flag room to display the colors of the many state regiments that fought in our wars. By the end of World War One and the awarding of the artist’s commission, maybe the sense was, we just fought the ‘war to end all wars’ and the art work should display the many conflicts throughout New York history…as history…the past…a reminder of the cost and loss associated with such strife. Or, we can glorify war…because we always have. Regardless, the Governor’s Reception Room is commonly known as the War Room and the murals are impressive.

This centrally-located space was initially thought to be beneath a tower in the first architect’s plan for the capitol. When that idea faded and progress was complicated and delayed, the area was neglected and even served as a store room until it was restored during the Pataki administration in the1990’s.

The renowned American muralist, William de Leftwich Dodge had established himself with grand installations at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago and the Library of Congress. He worked for five years and completed twenty-one panels by 1929.

Indian vs French

By William de Leftwich Dodge,

New York Capitol, Albany (5 April 2013)

The French fight the Indians. The French fight the Dutch. The English fight the Dutch. The Americans fight the English. All are presented in overly stylized dramatic representations of the human form. Two hyper-masculine men fight to the death while their women charges cower in the corner, waiting for the victor to return and protect one as he enslaves the other.

English vs American

By William de Leftwich Dodge,

New York Capitol, Albany (5 April 2013)

The final battle before independence shows the bare-chested he-man freedom fighter taking down the wigged Tory oppressor. On the left, the dying British lion is comforted, while on the right, Columbia is about to turn loose the American eagle.

New York Division at Gettysburg

By William de Leftwich Dodge,

New York Capitol, Albany (5 April 2013)

This panel commemorates the state’s impressive participation at Gettysburg. Vultures circle awaiting the battle’s end. Over 23,000 New Yorkers fought at Gettysburg and the state recorded the greatest number of casualties on the Union side.

(Detail) New York Troops in World War 1917-1918

By William de Leftwich Dodge,

New York Capitol, Albany (5 April 2013)

The series of panels ends with a contemporary presentation. The Great War, WW I, had recently concluded and there was Victory (bare-chested, of course). She holds our flag in one arm while she thrusts a sword up Kaiser Bill’s gut. Not much subtlety there.

Another impressive space in this remarkable state house. The next post will show a staircase that cost more to build than many entire state houses at the time.