Symbolism

At the dedication of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor more than 100 years ago, an official observed that in all ages the achievements and aspirations of humanity have been represented by symbols, a remark that proved prophetic. Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi created the monument as a colossal woman in classical Roman clothing symbolizing the Roman goddess of Liberty. Her crown of seven rays represents a nimbus or halo. In her left hand she holds a tablet bearing the date July 4, 1776 in Roman numerals to commemorate America’s birth as an independent nation. The torch in her right hand represents liberty enlightening the world. Beneath her feet, severed shackles and chains symbolize freedom and the abolition of slavery in the United States.

Bayonne, New Jersey · United States