For Ceres, the mythical goddess of agriculture, it seems to be lonely up there at the top of the Missouri state Capitol. And she's not even back up there yet.
On Friday, the newly renovated 10-foot, 4-inch statue that typically adorns the top of the Capitol was unveiled to the public after a nearly year-long makeover. The reaction was mixed, to be sure.
Over the weekend, the polished-up statue was on display on the south-side Capitol grounds for the public to see. It's been called a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity to see Ceres up close. However, not everyone is a fan of Ceres or her makeover.
We've previously had letters to the editor wax poetic about the statue, but we've also heard quite a bit of criticism.
Some have asked why a generally Christian society would give such prominence to a false god. Others have questioned the $400,000 price tag for her laser cleaning treatment. That money, they say, could have been better spent on many other more-pressing needs for Missourians.
A Facebook posting from the Missouri State Capitol Commission has garnered about 200 comments - a mix of support and opposition.
Still others have said her looks have changed. The Missouri State Capitol Commission has said the statue was simply cleaned, with only a waterproof clearcoat added.
Still, side-by-side comparisons make you wonder. The old Ceres, for example, had thin, well-defined lips. The cleaned-up Ceres seems to have thicker lips with less detail.
"Ceres is a treasure for the state of Missouri and the State Capitol. She represents the strength of our farmers and the agricultural community. Having her back home and on display will be a once in a lifetime gift for viewers to enjoy this holiday season," Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe said in a written statement, MissouriNet reported.
Regardless of what you think of the 1,400-pound statue, she should be back on her perch within the next week or so. Then, she'll continue to live her life of relative obscurity, with the occasional overheard question: "What's that statue at the top of the Capitol?"
News Tribune