National Archives: Recorder of the Archives tympanum in Washington, D.C...........

tympanum

The Recorder of the Archives tympanum is a limestone sculptural relief by James Earle Fraser located on the south side of the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C. It allegorically represents the preservation of historical records and the mission of the National Archives. Positioned on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets NW, the artwork is a significant example of classical allegory in public sculpture. It is documented in key references on Washington's outdoor sculpture and is near the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Metro station.