The Torch of Knowledge

If you look closely enough from the street, you can see the Torch of Knowledge finial that sits atop of the tiled pyramid roof of the Los Angeles Public Library.

Or, you may go inside to the second floor and see the replica of it. Either way, it is a bold design by Lee Lawrie, complete with a motto in Greek.

A magazine article from the 1920s, when the Library was brand new, contained the following description of the torch and the symbolism behind it.

“The crowning symbolism of the sculptural scheme is the finial torch held aloft in a realistic hand symbol of the light of knowledge handed on by the human figures of literature and history, who have kept the light burning through the printed word.”

The Torch of Knowledge: passing on the light of knowledge by using the written word. The Greek lettering on the arm represents “Light” or “Lamp”.