Editor’s note: Behind the Art is a recurring series highlighting artistic works throughout the county.
When new faces enter Judge Meagan Bilik-DeFazio’s courtroom, they often appear awestruck.
There’s so much to look at — the magnificent paintings on the ceiling, the portraits of past judges along the walls and the intricate woodwork. The symbolism in the artwork on the ceiling matches up with the type of justice that is dispensed in the second-floor criminal courtroom at the Westmoreland County Courthouse in Greensburg.
The grandeur was even a bit much for the judge herself, at first, when she took over the courtroom.
“I came in and just sat here in the quiet … and looked at the ceiling,” Bilik-DeFazio said.
Now, it’s her regular workplace.
Construction of the courthouse was completed in the early 1900s. Around the same time, French artist Maurice Ingres was commissioned to paint interior wall and ceiling murals, according to historical information from the county and attorney Mark Sorice. The messages in the three ceiling oil paintings still ring true today.
One is labeled “Law.” The painting depicts a woman wearing a white dress next to a large book with a red cover. She is holding a feather pen with an ink well nearby. The book is being propped up by a child.
Another painting is labeled “Protection.” The work shows a woman holding a child behind a shield.
The final artwork is marked “Wisdom.” An older man with a long white beard appears to be deep in thought while looking at a globe with books lying nearby.
“I guess the idea is our experience provide wisdom, instead of just reading it in a book,” Sorice said.
The courtroom is used for special occasions, such as swearing-in ceremonies for elected officials. It is brightly lit with brass chandeliers.
“If you’ve been lucky enough to never have to go in criminal court, you might not know this exists,” Bilik-DeFazio said.
In addition to the ceiling artwork are several portraits of men who were judges or other important figures in the county’s founding along with their last names. Those include Arthur St. Clair, a Revolutionary War officer and president of the Continental Congress in 1787.
He came from Scotland and settled near Ligonier before becoming involved in the creation of Westmoreland County in 1773.
