What is depicted at the top of the Capitol building?

The correct choice highlights the artwork known as "The Apotheosis of Washington," which is featured prominently at the top of the Capitol building. This fresco, by artist Constantino Brumidi, depicts George Washington rising to the heavens amidst a celestial setting that symbolizes his status as a national icon. Surrounding him are figures representing Liberty, Victory, and other allegorical representations of the nation’s values and virtues.

This artwork serves not only as a tribute to Washington but also conveys deeper meanings about American democracy, the ideals of the Republic, and the respect held for its first president. The grandeur of the imagery and the highlighted themes reflect the aspirations for the nation, making it an essential part of the Capitol’s architectural and artistic identity.

Other choices, while significant in their own right, do not represent what is depicted atop the Capitol building. "The Allegory of Freedom," for instance, may refer to broader themes of liberty but is not the specific work identified at the Capitol's dome. Similarly, "The Declaration of Independence" and "The Constitution Signing" are pivotal historical events and documents but are not visual representations located on the building itself. Instead, "The Apotheosis of Washington" serves as a specific and significant piece that encapsulates the theme and