The pyramidal composition is massive and the Eastern spirit nobly
sustained. On pylons before both arches, Leo Lentelli's Guardian Genii -
calm, impressive, winged spirits - guard the universe. The unity of men
and nature are denoted by the Rising and Setting Sun fountains, the row
of Stars, the Zodiac friezes and the Elements. Of these, "Air and Earth"
appear in the foreground of the picture. In the distance is "Music," one
of the classic groups contacting the Court with the carnival spirit. All
these are described on later pages.
Pegasus
Spandrels, East and West Arches
These spandrels, by Frederick G. R. Roth, are interesting artistically,
not only for the eager sweep and sense of bigness not usual in the
narrow scope of a spandrel, but especially for their warm decorative
value to the wall surface and the aspiring way in which they follow the
rising line of the archway over which they are placed. The spandrels are
made in very vigorous low relief. They express the place of poetry in
the Universe. For, in this court that celebrates man's achievements in
the East and West, and Nature's gifts to all, the poet on his winged
horse appears to inspire the one and interpret the other. The spandrels
throughout the Exposition are noteworthy. It is significant of the
artistic conscientiousness in detail of those who planned the sculpture
that these and other smaller pieces are so uniformly beautiful.
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