Rogers, an expatriate American artist trained and living in Italy, was a Neoclassical sculptor noted for his carved works in marble.

The border surrounding the doors and transom is adorned with statuettes of figures who participated in the Columbus story and nautical items such as anchors and rudders.

Figures around the outer rim represent Asia, Africa, Europe and America.

Because of delays in transportation related to the American Civil War, they did not arrive in the United States until 1863.

In January 2021, the doors were damaged during the United States Capitol attack.