These statues and views are from the foyer as you first enter the front of the building. Artist-Architect was Charles R Lamb and sculptor was J Scott Hartley. The structure is in the Grecian style while having many Roman features.
The focal point of this area is the bust of Roswell P Flower by Augustus St Gaudens. St Gaudens also designed the statue of Roswell P Flower which stands on Public Square near the entrance on Washington Street
Originally a bronze bust of Roswell P Flower stood here but was relocated upstairs in 1913 and replaced by this marble bust as it was more in keeping with the rest of the area
As you enter the library from the original door, the words 'Salve" (Latin for 'welcome') and "Vale" (Latin for 'farewell') are inscribed in the marble floor.
The marble flooring 'relieved under the dome by the signs of the Zodiac, as bronze inserts' surrounds the bust of Roswell Flower. The signs of the Zodiac were done by James C Kindlund
Other works by Oldofredi are located in the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and in the Villa Olma in Italy.
Two marble statues by Gerolamo Oldofredi of Milan flank the fountain.
