The House of John (Ca’ d’Zan) was built in 1925 as the Florida home of John Ringling, founder of the Ringling Brothers Circus, and his wife, Mabel Ringling. Among the most impressive features in this Venetian Gothic mansion is the massive chandelier that formerly hung in New York City’s original Waldorf Astoria Hotel. After that hotel was demolished to make room for the Empire State Building, the Ringlings acquired this chandelier and installed it high over the mansions Central Court. In this image, I photograph not only the intricacy and beauty of the historic Waldorf Chandelier, but also one of the priceless massive tapestries that hangs behind it upon the wall in the background. The lavish coffered ceiling and the Venetian imagery painted above it add additional context to the chandelier. Taken together, they express the wealth, power, and grandeur of the Ringling story. Ringling left this 36,000 square foot mansion, along with the Ringling Art and Circus Museums, to the state of Florida, which in turn has transferred stewardship to the Florida State University.