This guide is designed to display all of the art work that can be found in the O'Shaugnessy Frey Library on the St. Thomas campus.
Conrad Pickel Stained Glass Medallions
Digital images of the stained glass windows adorning the O’Shaughessy-Frey Library at the University of St. Thomas. More than 100 stained-glass medallions ornament the windows throughout the original building. Made by the Conrad Pickel Studio of St. Paul, these vibrant medallions include saints, Christian symbols, literary authors, works and characters, Catholic explorers of the New World, coats of arms of regional bishops, and branches of learning. Conrad Pickel was borne in Bavaria and immigrated to the U.S., eventually moving to Wisconsin. The Pickel Studios made stained glass for many institutions and churches.
St. Thomas Aquinas
This 120 square-foot stained glass window in the stairwell to the tower was crafted by Dieterich Spahn of Wayzata, MN. The university's patron, Thomas Aquinas, is pictured with two distinct expressions. On the right, his face has a thoughtful and intelligent expression. On the left, he appears more sorrowful and compassionate. Together, Thomas is gazing on the crucifix with the combination of wisdom and compassion. The two phrases on the window come from the Breviary. Above the crucifix are Christ’s words, “Bene Scripsisti De Me Thoma.” (“You have written well about me, Thomas.”” Christ then asked Thomas was reward he would like. Thomas’ reply, which appears on the window as well as on the university’s coat of arms, is “Non Aliam Nisi Te.” (“None but Yourself, Lord”).
First Floor
Crucifixion (sculpture)
Heights of Gabriel
Bald Eagle
Where the Search Begins
Drum
Shield (Djemesj)
Bust of I.A. O'Shaughnessy
Hereford Mappa Mundi
Lower Level
Another World I
Another World II
Elephant Herd
Second Floor
Evening with Friends
Fertility Mask Ensemble (Faces)
Shield (Djemsj)
Streams of Consiousness
Icon of the Crucificxon
Portrait of I.A. O'Shaughnessy
Portait of Lillian O'Shaugnessy
Third Floor
Crucifixion Icon
Constellation Earth
Starting out the Library's collection of artwork is "Constellation Earth" located on the library’s entrance plaza. “Constellation Earth” was created by Paul Theodore Granlund (1925-2003), a well-known Minnesota sculptor. The bronze sculpture’s dancing sphere of seven human figures symbolizes the seven continents and the interdependence of human beings. The piece was commissioned for St. Thomas by businessman Thomas Coughlan in 1984. A duplicate sculpture was installed in 1992 in St. Paul’s sister city, Nagasaki, Japan, as a gesture of peace.
