©Esparta/Flickr

Goddess, woman, and national icon, ‘Liberty Enlightening the World’ has hitched up her robes and prepared to hold court once again. The teeming masses have returned to huddle, tour, and climb up to her crown and pose for cameras whilst savouring the views.

A towering 46 meters of gleaming symbolism, the Statue of Liberty officially re-opened to the public on July 4. Situated on Bedloe’s Island in New York’s harbour, the statue boasts a sold-out status until September.

Undoubtedly the most important headpiece of North America, the statue’s crown has been closed since the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Although access to the island and the pedestal resumed in 2004, the all-important climb of death (168 frightfully steep steps) has only just become accessible.

Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi crafted his fair lady as a nod to the neo-classical fantasies of his era, draping Lady Liberty as a Greco-Roman colossus and crowning her as befitting royalty. The statue’s magnificent diadem radiates seven points that have been interpreted as representing the seven oceans of the world, the seven continents, and even the seven liberal arts and sciences. Bertholdi was said to have been a Freemason and the obscure organization’s symbols may have also had an influence on his work.

As Cara Sutherland writes, “He found (his) inspiration in images of the Seal of France’s Second Republic.” That, mixed with his vision of Libertas, the ancient Roman deity, may have inspired the design of his monument–after all, the French have always adored women as composites of their civilization.

By touring the harbour, one finds that the common perception of New York as a metropolis of hustle and bustle changes. From the water, looking upon the coastline as did the Dutch in their historic first visit, you are able to feel the heartbeat of the city. With the Lady behind you, the water creates a rhythm that is imperceptible upon the city streets. With those rays of sunlight emanating from her crown come thoughts of other times, other days. She doesn’t look smaller from a boat, only more real and true to herself.

Come for a visit, pay court and take a breather from the daily muss and fuss. And if you don’t make it all the way to the crown, just hang out in your Water Taxi and marvel at  the City from her point of view.