The idea of the overhanging, serene heavens,
expressed by the Star Colonnade, is extended by these panels. About the
central figure of Atlas or Time, his heavenly daughters move, bearing
the Zodiacal symbols, to indicate the sweep of the constellations and
the onward march of time. This impression of the steady, slow passage of
our days is increased by the gentle motion of the figures, so slight as
to be felt rather than seen. The frieze has a clean-cut effect almost
cameo-like in its precision and the harmony and grace of the whole
composition have frequently been found suggestive of the decorations on
an Attic urn.
Nations of the West
Group, Arch of the Setting Sun
As we look across the Court of the Universe towards the Nations of the
West, the vastness of the Court and the commanding effect of these great
groups of the nations impress us. The high columns of the Rising and
Setting Sun fountains, the monumental groups of the "Elements," the
classic "Music" and "Dance" of heroic size, are merged in the splendid
sweep of the Court; the dignified circle of sculptured light-standards
is dwarfed by the perspective. But these mighty processional masses of
the Nations still dominate the whole. This western group, companion to
the Nations of the East, centers about the prairie schooner, which
balances the elephant in the opposing composition, and the girlish
figure of a young pioneer mother, poetically called "The Mother of
Tomorrow.
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