Human Flower Project

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Blind Magnolias

Justice in Mississippi’s state capitol wears the state flower over both ears. But did justice have a part in choosing the magnolia?

The magnolia blossom, chosen by Mississippi schoolchildren, was officially adopted as the state flower in 1952.

This painting, entitled Keeping Secrets, is by Edward Loedding

Image: All Posters

With an endless, complicated job to do, Justice reasonably has lots of equipment. Bare necessities seem to be a sword, a helmet, scales, and a blindfold. (We never understood how the last two worked in tandem. Eyes covered, how was Lady Justice to see if or when the scales balanced?…)

To these tools, the State of Mississippi has added a pair of beautiful magnolia blossoms, one over each of the deity’s ears. This bas relief carving (sculptor unknown) is a much admired ornament beneath the dome of the state capitol, built 1901-1903, in Jackson.

Adding this lush, local floral element to the depiction of Justice is entirely in keeping with the building’s beaux-arts style. “She’s so good lookin’, she looks like a man!” John Lennon would have exclaimed!

She’s also illuminated by “750 lights” bringing to mind the wonderful carvings of carousels and circus wagons around this time, the turn of the 20th century.

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