The Crowning Achievement

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Inspired by the Greek Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, the beautiful Portland Breakwater Lighthouse in Maine was built in 1874. The architect of Portland Breakwater Lighthouse also designed the dome of the US Capitol. 

The original Greek Choragic Monument was built near the Acropolis of Athens. This 
was the first time Corinthians columns were constructed on the exterior of a building. 

My painting of the lighthouse captures the elegance and strength of the Corinthian columns surrounding the lighthouse. The cupola that crowns the lighthouse is painted as a diadem to symbolize its majesty. 

The lighthouse and a breakwater were built after an 1831 storm damaged ships, piers and buildings in Portland’s harbor. The breakwater was first constructed and turned out to be a navigational hazard. Finally in 1855 the first lighthouse was constructed. In 1874 the current lighthouse replaced the wooden lighthouse. ​