of apotropaic icons in the Grand Staircase. Above the south entrance to the legislature lobby is the head of Medusa. Over the north entrance facing Medusa is the bust of Athena, Greek goddess of war, embodiment of democracy and also the protector of cities. Around the perimeter of the room are 14 lion heads and 8 cattle skulls at the edge of the ceiling. Around the second-floor balcony, lamps rise from the balustrades, each containing 13 bulbs—12 of them around 1, representing the Twelve Apostles and Jesus. The third floor facing the Grand Staircase is supported by two pairs of caryatids (columns sculpted as female figures) with each figure holding a scroll and key. These figures located on the third floor were carved by the Piccirilli Brothers of New York, using models prepared by Albert Hodge of London, England. Rotunda The antechamber at the head of the Grand Staircase provides a formal approach to the legislative chamber. Four pairs of Corinthian columns rise from the floor to the cornice surrounding the base of the rotunda, itself measuring 20 meters (64 ft) in diameter and 26 meters (84 ft) high. Within the dome above are four panels containing 5 gold rosettes. Between each pair of columns are busts of Hermes. The floor of the dome rotunda is Tennessee marble bordered with black Vermont and verde antique marble. In the centre of the Rotunda is an Italian marble balustrade across surrounding the Pool of the Black Star on the floor of the level below, a representation of the altars of the ancient Greeks. The diameter of the circle above the balustrade is also 4 meters, and both align with the Golden Boy above these. Above the doorway to the Manitoba Assembly is a mural by Frank Brangwyn depicting World War I. In the centre of the painting is a man in tattered rags with his left chest and arm exposed, being helped along by a comrade. Above the men are a faint depiction of The Madonna and child. Pool of the Black Star The Pool of the Black Star is the room below the rotunda with four entrances and marked by 3 steps forming a circumference of the room. The room is circular with a radius of . At the centre of the floor is an 8-pointed black marble star. Directly above in alignment with the Pool of the Black Star is