Paintings

The Martin County Courthouse dome extends 58 feet above the roof of the building. The inside of the dome contains four large paintings symbolizing Peace, Genius, War, and Inspiration.

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Peace - On the north wall, the center figure sitting represents Minnesota, with the horn of plenty. Standing behind is Columbia. Minnesota under the protection of Columbia is growing in peace. Minnesota, with raised hand is blessing the county. All agricultural industry, etc., prosper under this blessing. The symbol of agriculture is represented in the figure presenting the olive branch to Columbia and Minnesota. The industry of cattle raising is shown in the background. Home industries are represented by the girl with the spinning wheel. The group on the left hand in this painting represents mechanics and education. The classical figure with the scroll is teaching knowledge and wisdom to the eagerly listening young woman. In this group we also see the worker in iron, with a stern look. The Indian in his typical paraphernalia, is eagerly watching the rapidly changing conditions of the county, holding in his hand the plans of the new Court House, thinking of the times when only dense forests and prairie covered the land.

Genius - On the west wall, the North Star and the Seal of Minnesota. The Seal is decorated with the state flower, the Moccasin flower. Between the great paintings on the walls of the dome are four emblems representing agriculture, commerce, art and science.

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