Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Cuyahoga County Courthouse “Justice” Stained Glass Window


"Justice" Stained Glass Window
Cleveland's Cuyahoga County Courthouse

One of the most stunning sights in the Cuyahoga County Courthouse in downtown Cleveland is the large stained glass window titled “Justice” which is at the landing of the large marble staircase at the east side of the main lobby. The window was designed by Frederick Wilson of Tiffany Studios and Cleveland architect Charles F. Schweinfurth. The work was executed by the Gorham Glass Works of New York City

According to “The Cuyahoga County Courthouse Crown Jewel of the Group Plan” , “Justice” is depicted with her eyes uncovered, indicating justice should not be blind, and her eyes should be “open to the spirit and to the letter of the law.” The right hand of “Justice” is covered in mail and her left hand is bare to symbolize the dispensation of justice tempered with mercy. Tablets representing the Ten Commandments are on each side of the standing figure, and overhead is the “celestial city of the Apocalypse where perfect justice reigns.” Sounds very serious to me, but I am more enamored with the beauty of the colors of the glass and the workmanship, not to mention the curved marble staircase which rises on each side of the window.

If you are in the vicinity of the Cuyahoga County Courthouse , located on One Lakeside Avenue, stop in and take in the beauty of this lovely stained glass window. It’s one of the hidden gems of Cleveland that is not to be missed.


View of window from base of stairway

View of top of window from the other side of upper level of lobby


Marble staircase, multiple views up and down (B&W photos)

The plaque at the base of the window

Close up of "Justice"


Close up of the face of "Justice"


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