Riverside County Courthouse Sculptures

The Riverside County Courthouse (4050 Main St, Riverside) was completed in 1904 and is a copy of the Grand Palais of Fine Arts that was built for the 1900 Paris Exposition.  The outside of the courthouse is adorned with many sculptures that symbolize the "establishment of a harmonious and prosperous union under the rules of law". The sculptors are unidentified. The building was designed by Franklin Pierce Burnham of the Los Angeles-based architectural firm, Burnham and Bliesner.  While similar, each of the uppermost groupings of sculptures are different and are briefly described below.  In the middle of the facade, above and flanking the front entrance, are seven groupings of sculptures that are identical (one is shown below).  In addition, there are other decorative elements such as sculptural eagles, two of which are also shown.  The information and quotes in this post are largely from a display located across the street from the courthouse.

"The central figure, Justice, under the aegis of the Federal Union, holds a sword and scales. A Union shield sits at her feet.  She represents the Judicial Branch of Government. The left figure, Authority of the Executive Branch of Government, holds an orbed scepter and a book of the law. The right figure, Authority of the Legislative Branch of Government holds a quill and a tablet.  

Together, these figures represent the sources of legal authority required to create a more perfect union."  

"The central figure, Justice, under the aegis of the Federal Union, holds a sword and scales. A Union shield sits at her feet. The left figure, Power of Incarceration and Pardon, holds chains and an olive branch. The right figure, Power of Capital Punishment, holds a legal proclamation and a sword." 

"The central figure, Justice, holds a staff and scale with a cogged wheel at her feet. The left figure, Agriculture, holds a cluster of grapes and stalks of grain. The right figure, Trade, holds a long thin scroll and a baton with a small flag. The baton indicates authority befitting the "Princess of Trade."

"The central figure, Justice, holds a spear and scales. A damaged anvil lies at her feet. The spear stems from the iconography of Athena, goddess of wisdom. The left figure, Industry, holds a hammer. The right figure, Technology, holds dividers and a scroll." 

Seven of these groupings of sculpture are found above and surrounding the entrance of the building. 

Multiple high-relief eagles (above and below) are found at various places around the back of the courthouse.