Pediments are the most overlooked art in Washington. Maybe it’s because they’re atop buildings and we’re too busy looking straight ahead, but these triangular tops are filled with cool art.

Atop the main entrance of the Supreme Court (west side facing the U.S. Capitol) is the pediment Equal Justice Under Law, which is the inscription underneath. Eighteen feet tall and 60 feet wide, the marble scene sculpted by Robert Aitken has “Liberty” as the central figure holding the scales of justice in her lap. She is flanked by Roman soldiers as Order and Authority. The figures on each end are Research represented by President and Chief Justice (and my cousin) William Taft on the left and Chief Justice John Marshall on the right.

On the left side are the building’s architect Cass Gilbert and secretary of state Elihu Root. On the right are chief justice Charles Evans Hughes and Aitken.