Columbia of Carrick

The Roses of Heliogabalus, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema

WWI Poster by Paul Stahr, part of the inspiration for the depiction of Lady Columbia

The mural, by Pittsburgh-based artist Brian Gonnella[2], is an example of Americana. It includes several classic American symbols, including an homage to the work of 19th Century poet and immigration advocate, Emma Lazarus, as well as other more arcane references such as the fact that Columbia is surrounded (perhaps being suffocated) by American Beauty roses. This is in reference to the 1999 classic film American Beauty.

At the same time, it evokes not only the imagery of the film, and the potential for creativity and freedom, but also cynically recalls The Roses of Heliogabalus by Alma-Tadema. The 1888 painting depicts Heliogabalus, a 3rd Century Roman Emperor who is said to have welcomed guests into his home for a banquet, only to smother them with roses from a false ceiling.

Plaque of the Sonnet "The New Colossus", by Emma Lazarus, on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty

The quotation, from the 1883 poem The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus, serves multiple purposes. At once, Columbia is welcoming the newcomer while she herself is also 'yearning to breathe free'. Columbia is always at risk of suffocating under the weight of her own inclusive nature -- if everyone is welcome, this may include elements of which some do not approve. The poem is most notably included on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World).

In June of 2019, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania filed multiple criminal complaints against the owner of the property, Shoham Zober, claiming that the owner had failed to obtain permits for the work. The state was unsuccessful.