This allegory represents a vision for the future. It speaks to America’s promise and power.
Baby - America wearing a helmet like the Mercury, the Roman god of commerce. He's holding a caduceus – the staff with two snakes wrapped around it – as the symbol of commerce and negotiation.
His foot rests on a beehive, the symbol for industriousness.
He leans against a globe, representing the international economy. The continent featured is Africa. [what??]
Cornucopia – the rich harvest symbol spills out coins.
Books – these financial ledgers speak to knowledge.
Sailing ships and the American flag – these symbols reveal the goal of maritime wealth for the new nation.
What does the symbolism over the door mean?