Kings County Courthouse Competition, Chicago, Illinois, Elevation c. 1869

Peter Bonnett Wight rendered this elevation of the Kings County Courthouse for a competition in Chicago, Illinois. During the late 19th century, courthouses were potent symbols of civic authority, justice, and community identity. The architectural style, often imposing and classical, was intended to project an image of stability and order, reflecting the values of the society it served. Wight's drawing, with its symmetrical design, arched windows, and prominent clock tower, encapsulates these aspirations. Yet, the courthouse, as a space, isn't just about justice; it is also where power dynamics play out, where the law intersects with individual lives. It represents a cultural intersection of governance and community. What kind of justice was meted out within these walls, and for whom was it truly accessible? This drawing allows us to reflect on the relationship between architectural form, civic ideals, and the complexities of social justice.