On either side of the Supreme Court steps, on top of fifty-ton marble blocks, sits a sculpted figure: the Contemplation of Justice, on the left, and the Authority of Law, on the right.

NEWYORKER: Benched

Because sometimes in this country and in our lives, we see blocks of marble and some people can see what's inside and some people can't.

WHITEHOUSE: Helping America Become a ��Grad Nation��

Several 1911 views of the marble quarries at Carrara might be showing us ice blocks that will melt, rather than the weight and presumably majestic purpose for which this stone is soon destined.

WSJ: Fluid, Evanescent Images | John Singer Sargent Watercolors | Brooklyn Museum | By Tom L. Freudenheim