Tiny squares of marble in this mosaic of the Great Seal of Maryland sparkle in the light from the dome above. Resting directly below the Tiffany skylight, the Great Seal is on the first floor in the main lobby. The mosaic was created for the new building by Ravenna Mosaics and Stone of Exmore, Va. The seal's design  bears the arms of the Calvert and Crossland families, which are also featured on the Maryland flag.

A farmer and a fisherman who symbolize Lord Baltimore's two estates in the new world (Maryland and Avalon, Newfoundland) support the shield of arms. Perched on the shield is an earl's coronet, and above that a helmet. The motto on the scroll at the men's feet is "Fatti maschii parole femine," which means "strong deeds, gentle words." The motto running around the border of the Great Seal is Psalm 5 in Latin, which translates to, "with favor wilt thou compass us as with a shield." At the bottom of the seal the year 1632 commemorates King Charles I granting the Maryland Charter to Cecilius Calvert, second Lord Baltimore. BEAUTY & TECH Back       1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - - - 5 - 6 - 7        Next

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