To give this
figure of young manhood the solemnity of a memorial and still keep it
true to the hearty and cheerful vigor it depicts was a notable
achievement. The setting in one of the arches of the Rotunda, with the
lagoon and the landscape-planting in the background, is admirable. Two
great universities have in recent years been graced by Mr. French's
work; his "Alma Mater" on the great stairway of the Columbia University
Library is one of the art treasures of New York City.
Fountain
Foyer, Palace of Fine Arts
This fountain, by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, who made the Fountain of
El Dorado for the Exposition, is strikingly different from that work in
treatment and character, showing a notable versatility and
responsiveness to change in motif. As that was poetically symbolic, this
is a massive direct work in a more virile and vigorous manner. It shows
three well-modeled nudes supporting a bowl heavy with richly laden
vines. Its installation in the center of the entrance hall of the Fine
Arts Palace is in itself a work of art. The white marble fountain - for
this is the original work, loaned by the artist - is cleverly contrasted
with vivid green water plants in the bowl; just enough of them and
tastefully placed. And in the rim small trees are set, of well-chosen
verdure, shape and size.
Pages:
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79