Statue of Athena, wearing a helmet contrived from a model of the library, crowned with angels that reference the city’s name and the California bear and star. She holds a staff that rests on a turtle, symbolizing Civilization’s dominion over land and sea. Her right hand holds a book containing quotations in five languages: “In the beginning was the word” (Ancient Greek--St. John, gospel I.1); “Knowledge extends horizons” (Latin--Seneca, Epistola); “Nobility carries obligations” (French proverb); “Wisdom is in the truth” (German--Goethe); “Beauty is truth--truth beauty” (English--Keats). The statue by Lee Lawrie is found in the North Vestible of Central Library.
Athena--(Greek deity)--Statues Central Library (Los Angeles, Calif.) Los Angeles Public Library Libraries--California--Los Angeles Statues--California--Los Angeles Interiors--California--Los Angeles Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments Lawrie, Lee,1877-1963 Downtown Los Angeles (Los Angeles, Calif.)
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