The Forgotten Irish American Artist of the Capitol Building Left: Architect of the Capitol employees take a selfie (note string in hand of individual all in white) while preserving the Statue of Freedom in 1913. Right: Thomas Crawford. By Geoffrey Cobb, Contributor Geoffrey Cobb writes about Thomas Crawford, who sculpted the figure of Liberty and Freedom on top of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. Senate Pediment, marble, 1863, east front U.S. Capitol: “The Progress of Civilization” features figures that represent the early days of America along with the ...