These figures are harmonious
ornaments to the richly decorated ceiling which they touch and to which
they give a certain tranquillity. The slope of their wings connects
gracefully with that of the arches; this, with the quiet beauty of the
drapery and its accord with the line of the cornucopia, creates a
restful architectural effect. It is a pleasant coincidence that these
Priestesses of Culture look down upon the statue of William Cullen
Bryant by the same sculptor, an exhibit piece, charmingly installed at
the entrance to the great Rotunda.
Frieze
Flower Boxes, Fine Arts Colonnade
The very large flower boxes bearing masses of luxuriant California
shrubs that mark the Peristyle Walk in the Fine Arts Colonnade are
constantly admired for their own beauty, the beauty of their contents
and their part in the general effectiveness of the delightful Colonnade
they enrich. The friezes are by Ulric H. Ellerhusen, who made also the
Weeping Figures and the heroic "Guardians of Arts" already described. It
is interesting to note that the precision of handling has given this
design, in spite of its size, an exquisite delicacy. Standing at
charmingly balanced intervals, a circle of maidens bear a heavy
rope-garland. This rope makes a gratifying line that has given pleasure
to connoisseurs. The frieze is so successful largely because, though
frankly decorative as suits its purpose, its personality and charm
distinguish it from the pattern-like or conventional.
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