Towering over the White House, the colossal granite Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) was first constructed to house the departments of State, War, and Navy in the nineteenth century, and it now serves as the home of the Executive Office of the President. Having outlasted decades of plans threatening alteration or outright demolition, the building survives as one of the foremost examples of Second Empire design in the United States. Palace of State details the building's rich architectural and historical legacy -- from the beginnings of federal civic architecture in Washington to its construction as the world's largest office building after the Civil War, and culminating in the recently completed restoration process that began in the 1980s. Featuring beautifully rendered architectural drawings, historic images, and lush contemporary photography, this illustrated history presents a comprehensive study of an iconic landmark that continues to serve in its role as a monumental setting for statecraft.

The U.S. Capitol abounds in magnificent art that rivals its exterior architectural splendor. The fine art held by the U.S. Senate comprises much of this treasured heritage. It spans over 200 years of history & contains works by such celebrated artists as Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Hiram Powers, Daniel Chester French, Charles Willson Peale, Gilbert Stuart, Walker Hancock, & Alexander Calder. This volume provides previously unpublished information on the 160 paintings & sculptures in the U.S. Senate. Each work of art -- from portraiture of prominent senators to scenes depicting significant events in U.S. history -- is illus. with a full-page color photo, accompanied by an essay & secondary images that place the work in historical & aesthetic context.