By Nikki Ghaemi
B.S. ’25, Journalism and Mass Communication, and Art History
This engraving, created by artist H. Warren, depicts an early design of the Washington Monument by architect Robert Mills. Mills’ design won a competition hosted by the Washington National Monument Society but was soon discarded due to the society’s shortage of funding. Despite never having been created, this design of the monument was expected and highly anticipated, as it can be seen in many postcards and artworks depicting it, like Warren’s engraving. Mills’ design features neoclassical motifs commonly seen around Washington, D.C., such as a circle of Doric columns surrounding the base of the obelisk. Warren’s engraving offers viewers a chance to see the design in great detail, as well as its scale with renderings of people walking near it. Mills also designed other classical-inspired buildings in Washington, D.C., like the Old Patent Office Building, which has often been compared to the Parthenon in Athens.
About Nikki Ghaemi
Nikki (she/her) is a sophomore at the George Washington University majoring in journalism and mass communication, and art history. She is exploring different research interests within her majors to find the best way to combine her passions.