Chapter 5

Architecture

The architecture was evidently inspired by the great baths of ancient Rome, which were similar in style, size, and detail. The scale is so great-this is said to be the largest wooden building in the world- that it is something of an achievement to have made the structure anything but barn like. By the richness of the cornices and the careful spacing of the openings the architect has made it ornamental, and has given it a sort of noble dignity-though one hesitates to compare it with the palaces of the central group.

The most interesting architectural bit in connection with the Palace of Machinery is the entrance vestibule under the three central archways. Standing at either end of the portico one obtains a remarkable impression of spaciousness combined with decorative completeness. The coloring within the high vestibule is particularly pleasing.

Within the building the unconcealed trussing, instead of giving a sense of barrenness and lack of finish, resolves itself into a sort of lace-like decorative scheme, the whole effect being peculiarly ornamental.

The Palace of Machinery was designed by Clarence R. Ward.

Sculpture

The sculpture here consists of the series of four nude male figures on the column drums, and spandrels for the main and minor doorways, and a widely different group, "The Genius of Creation," before the main western portal. All but the latter group represent "Types of Power."

The figures surmounting columns, flanking the three arches of the central doorway, represent "Steam Power," "Invention," "Electricity," and "Imagination."

Steam is symbolized as a man holding a long lever.

Invention is represented as a man holding forth a miniature winged figure at which he gazes steadily.

The figure of Electricity holds jagged lightning, conventional symbol of electricity.

Imagination, primal power back of all machinery design, is represented by a figure with arm thrown back of head, and seemingly with eyes closed.

Considered simply as portrayals of power, these four virile figures are very successful, and they serve well to carry out the sense of immensity and strength that characterizes the entire building. But they are not at all polished or subtle, lacking the refinement that would make them interesting as something besides vigorous types. All four figures are by Haig Patigian. They are repeated in different order on columns before the north and south portals of the building.

The bas-relief friezes about the bases of the vestibule columns are also by Haig Patigian. The winged figure, typifying "Machinery," lends itself to decorative uses better than the purely human type, and the artist has worked in various mechanical symbols quite cleverly. The cardinal principle in sculptural decoration of this sort is that the frieze, like the whole column, must carry an impression of support. It will be noticed that no room has been left above the head or below the feet; and the disposition of the wings and arms further adds to the feeling that the figures are a true structural unit rather than mere ornament stuck on.

The spandrels over the minor arches in the vestibule, again typifying "Machinery," are equally successful in serving an architectural purpose. Mural sculpture, like mural painting, must never be allowed to "make a hole" in the wall. Notice how fully the figures cover the given space, without any background to draw the eye beyond the surface. These spandrels are also by Haig Patigian. The column reliefs and the spandrels are repeated at the minor doorways of the building.

The Genius of Creation, a magnificently conceived group of sculpture, has been placed, rather unfortunately, in front of the main west portal of the Palace of Machinery. It is by Daniel Chester French, who is generally considered the dean of American sculptors. The Genius of Creation is portrayed as a huge winged figure, enthroned over the formless mass of earth, with head bowed and arms outstretched, calling human life into being. At the two sides a man and a woman, fine strong figures both, stand looking forth, the man courageously, the woman a little more timidly. And at the back, as if to signify the mutual dependence of man and woman, the hands seek to touch. A serpent encircles the base of the group, symbolizing wisdom-or as some prefer to interpret it, everlasting life. This serpent is probably not the one that had so much to do with the life of the first couple on earth.

The statue expresses, of course, the orthodox idea of creation, and it is interesting to contrast it with the sculpture of the Court of Abundance, which in general gives expression to the doctrine of evolution. The strong, almost severe, motherly figure is finely religious in feeling. The sculptor himself has commented on the religious tone that runs through much of the Exposition sculpture, remarking especially the prevalence of winged angel-figures. The reader is left to decide how far this has resulted from the fact that the winged form is essentially decorative, and how far from reverence.

Viewed entirely from the aesthetic side, without regard to the symbolism, the Genius of Creation is one of the most satisfying works on the grounds. It is too bad that it was placed before a background of broken spaces, and before a colorful facade that makes it seem pale. But in it is that reposeful strength which characterizes so much of French's work-a sense of completeness, of fullness, that is perhaps the most soul-satisfying quality of great sculpture.

The South Gardens, Festival Hall, and the Palace of Horticulture

If there is one portion of the Exposition building scheme that does not seem to "belong" to the main group of palaces, it is that which lies south of the Avenue of Palms, including the South Gardens, Festival Hall, and the Palace of Horticulture. The relation of the two buildings to the main courts and palaces is clear: Festival Hall terminating the cross axis through the Court of Abundance and the Court of Flowers; the Palace of Horticulture terminating the cross axis through the Court of the Four Seasons and the Court of Palms. But though the organic relationship is apparent, the least discriminating of critics can see that these buildings are of an architectural style not in harmony with the central group of palaces. Both structures lack that fine sense of proportion and that simple and impressive dignity which characterize the architecture of the courts; and both are more or less pretentious and ornate.

The South Gardens

The South Gardens, like the buildings, have a certain magnificence but at the same time lack any distinctive appeal. The three basins with their fountains are imposing, and the individual beds of flowers are gorgeous in their profuse massing of color; but the distances are so great, and the sense of enclosure that means so much to gardens is so far lacking, that the lover of formal gardening will be less satisfied here than at several other places in the grounds.

Sculpture. The sculpture of the South Gardens is all on the three fountains. The immense central group, the Fountain of Energy, already has been described. In the other two basins the Mermaid Fountain is repeated. This is an attractively ornate bit of decorative design, surmounted by the figure of a mermaid with a dolphin. The figure was modeled from designs by Arthur Putnam. It is typical of the fine strength of his work, and at the same time appealing by the grace of its sinuous lines.

Festival Hall

Festival Hall, designed for the many conventions and musical festivals of the Exposition period, is of typically French architecture of the modern school. The building is not unpleasing, but there is little about it to hold the interest. Robert Farquhar was the architect.

Sculpture. All the sculpture on Festival Hall is the work of Sherry E. Fry. The figures are well suited to their purpose, from the slender "Torch-Bearer," surmounting the minor domes, to the heavy reclining figures on the pylons at the main entrance. Most of the statues are too roughly finished to have more than a decorative interest, but the two groups flanking the main stairway are worthy of study. These two "Flower Girls," one on either side, have a beautiful flowing grace. But quite the most appealing things here are the two minor figures before the pedestals on which the Flower Girls stand. Before the one at the north is a captivating boy Pan with a lizard. Half hidden in the shrubbery at the other side is the sitting figure of a girl, attractively immature and charming in line.

Palace of Horticulture

The Palace of Horticulture is characterized by that combination of Eastern and Western architectural motives which is so noticeable throughout the buildings. The dome is Byzantine, while the rest of the building is of Renaissance, or modern, French architecture. The dome considered alone is an almost perfect bit of design, beautifully proportioned and finely simple. The rest of the building is in general over-decorated, the portals especially being heavily loaded down with meaningless ornament. Apologists for the building say that the profuse ornateness rightly suggests the richness of California's horticulture. Perhaps the best view of the dome is from the east end of the Avenue of the Nations, near the Denmark building, because from there one can see it unobstructed, escaping the disturbing effect of the portals and their spires. The Palace of Horticulture was designed by Bakewell and Brown of San Francisco.

Sculpture. All of the sculpture here is purely decorative. The frieze at the base of each spire, consisting of heavy female figures modeled in pairs, is by E. L. Boutier. The ornamental Caryatides of the porches are by John Bateman.

Palace of Fine Arts

The Fine Arts Palace has been more admired, probably, than any other architectural unit at the Exposition. The reasons are not far to seek. The architect has used those classic forms which for ages have been recognized as best suited to monumental structures, and yet he has used them with originality. The building is classically noble, but without classic austerity or coldness. It is at once beautiful in form, rich in decorative detail, and satisfyingly warm in color. Moreover, it has the finest setting of all the Exposition buildings. The bigness of conception, the boldness with which the largest architectural elements have been handled, the perfect arrangement of architecture, planting, and reflecting waters-all these combine to create the most compelling picture on the grounds.

The arrangement of the building is deceptive. As one looks at it across the lagoon, it seems like a single unit, so well does the planting tie it together, though there are really four unconnected structures: the rotunda, two detached peristyles at the sides, and the art gallery proper at the back.

Architecture

The style of architecture is Classic, freely treated. The rotunda is Roman. The peristyle is more Greek in feeling, in the simplicity of general form, with splendidly modeled capitals, full strong columns, and dignified cornice. The curved facade of the main building, facing the rotunda and peristyle, is very original in its arrangement of classic architectural motives and masses of foliage, with a Pompeian pergola on top.

The color scheme of the whole building is worthy of study. And although the structure when seen by day deserves all the praise that has been bestowed upon it, by night its beauty is beyond description. One should sit long at the edge of the lagoon opposite the rotunda, and watch the illuminated building itself and its reflection in the waters below, to feel the full spell of it. No one should miss, either, the walk between the peristyle and the main building on one of those nights when there is soft local illumination, for nowhere else on the grounds has the poetry of lighting been so perfectly realized.

The architect of the Fine Arts Palace was Bernard R. Maybeck, a Californian.

Sculpture

The sculpture about the lagoon, including that under the peristyle and rotunda, is to be treated in the next chapter, except that which is definitely a part of the building's integral decorative scheme.

The reliefs outside the rotunda, on the attic above the cornice, represent man's effort to gain the ideal of art. To see these reliefs best, one should stand directly across the lagoon from the rotunda. In the panel facing East one sees the figure of Art personified. On either side is a group showing the champions of art combating centaurs, that stand for the commonplace, materialistic things of life. In the next panel to the left, facing Southeast, is represented the bridling of the winged horse Pegasus, which to the Greeks symbolized the attainment of poetic inspiration. Here also are figures representing the arts of literature, sculpture and music, by the familiar symbols, a lamp, a statuette and a lute. The panel to the right of the center one shows Apollo, sun-god and patron-god of the arts, drawn in his chariot, with a procession of devotees. These panels are repeated on the other five faces about the dome. They are among the finest reliefs on the Exposition buildings, and are by Bruno Louis Zimm.

The figures within the rotunda, surmounting the eight columns are "Priestesses of Culture," by Herbert Adams.

The flower-box sculptures are by Ulric H. Ellerhusen-both those on the ground and those at the corners of the boxes surmounting the peristyle. The ladies on the latter, looking so steadily into the boxes, do not represent "Curiosity." The plan was to have masses of foliage overflowing, and half-covering the figures; and when this was given up, the decorative women gave the unexpected impression of being deeply absorbed in something happening out of sight of the spectator below. An explanation which has gained some currency is that the figures represent "Introspection," which seems quite apropos.

The kneeling figure (unnamed) on the edge of the lagoon before the rotunda is by Ralph Stackpole. It is one of the most appealing bits of all the Exposition sculpture, well expressing devotion and reverence. It cannot be reached from the rotunda side, this portion of the shore being closed to the public.

The figure over the doorway of the gallery is Leo Lentelli's "Aspiration." During the early months of the Exposition this statue was suspended from behind, the base on which it now stands having been placed late in the Spring. As the figure first appeared, hanging in air, it caused more comment than any other sculpture on the grounds. The most appropriate explanation was that since the figure lacked any visible means of support it probably was meant to represent "California Art." Even the recent alterations have failed to save it from seeming graceless and out of place.

Mural Paintings

The eight panels in the dome of the rotunda are by Robert Reid. There are two series of four paintings each, called "The Birth and Influence of Art," and "The Four Gold's of California." They form perhaps the least interesting of the several groups of murals, being vague in meaning, unpleasantly restless in composition, and only occasionally attractive in coloring.

The easiest panel to identify is that called "The Birth of Oriental Art," which is on the west wall, closest to the doorway of the main building. Starting with this and following around the dome to the right, the pictures are in this order:

1. The Birth of Oriental Art. A man in armor on a fanciful, dragon is attacking an eagle, symbolizing man's effort to attain the inspiration of the heavens. Below, China can be recognized in the man with a brilliant colored robe, and Japan in the woman with the bright parasol.

2. Gold is symbolized by a woman with a wand, on a cornucopia overflowing with gold.

3. The Ideals of All Art. The ideals which animate artists are shown: Truth with her glass; Religion typified in the Madonna and child; Beauty, with the peacock; and the Militant Ideal with a flag. Above and below are figures carrying the wreath and the palm, the artist's tokens of success in attaining the ideal.

4. Poppies, the second "gold" of California.

5. The Birth of European Art. Four figures surround an altar on which burns the sacred fire, three being merely attendants preserving the flame, and the fourth the guardian holding high a torch lit at the altar. A man from earth grasps this torch as he leans from his flying chariot. A woman in the lower corner holds a crystal gazing-globe, wherein the future of art has been revealed, and she turns to gaze after the man who is carrying the sacred fire to earth.

6. Citrus Fruits, the third "gold" of California.

7. The Inspiration of All Art. Two Angels of Inspiration are at the top, while below to the left are Sculpture, with a winged statuette, and Architecture, with the scroll and compass; and to the right, Painting, with brush and palette, Music, with a lyre, and Poetry, with a book.

8. Wheat, the fourth "gold" of California.

The Outdoor Gallery of Sculpture

Many of the finest bronzes and marbles of the sculpture section are given an adequate setting which would be impossible within the gallery building, by being placed in the open, along the two ends of the lagoon, through the peristyles, and under the Fine Arts rotunda.

As this group of sculpture embraces all types from the playful to the very serious, it is foolish to try to appreciate the whole series at one time. Perhaps the best way is to start first to familiarize oneself with the smaller bronzes of the purely lyric type, the charming garden figures, sun-dials, and miniature fountains, that make up such an attractive part of the collection. Note how often the names of Edward Berge, Janet Scudder and Anna Coleman Ladd recur in connection with this graceful, intimately appealing sort of sculpture. On another day, when life seems soberer, spend all your time in study of the more serious works, such as Saint Gaudens' "Seated Lincoln," and McKenzie's "The Young Franklin," noting how the dignity, sureness of touch, and sound purpose of these make them more appealing with longer acquaintance. On another day take the intermediate group, that is dignified but less austere in theme-such works as Sherry Fry's "Peace," and Berge's "Muse Finding the Head of Orpheus." Studied systematically, there is in this series of statues a broad education in the appreciation of sculpture.

For convenience in reference the whole series is listed here. In regard to those works which the labels make self-explanatory, no comment is added, unless to call attention to some special quality which the unpracticed eye might miss. Where the symbolism or "story" is obscure, an explanation is given.

South of the lagoon are: 1. Sea Lions by Frederick G. R. Roth. 2. The Scout by Cyrus E. Dallin. Note the remarkable clean-cut quality of this equestrian statue. 3. Wind and Spray fountain, by Anna Coleman Ladd. 4. Diana by Haig Patigian-a graceful statue of the Greek goddess of the hunt, which is in marked contrast to the same artist's strong figures on the Palace of Machinery. 5. Peace by Sherry E. Fry. This beautifully modeled figure has a classic simplicity that is worthy of study. 6. American Bison by A. P. Proctor.

Beyond the second Bison, beside the roadway that runs behind the Fine Arts Palace, is a model of the Kirkpatrick Monument, at Syracuse, New York, by Gail Sherman Corbett. The central figures represent an Indian discovering to a Jesuit priest the waters of an historic salt spring at Syracuse.

In the circle at the south end of the peristyle are: 1. Seated Lincoln by Augustus St. Gaudens generally considered one of the noblest works of the greatest American sculptor. Note especially the dignity of the whole, and the sympathetic modeling of the face. 2. Bust of Halsey C. Ives by Victor S. Holm. 3. Bust of William Howard Taft by Robert Aitken. 4. Henry Ward Beecher by John Quincy Adams Ward-a dignified and well-known life-size statue.

Along the south peristyle are (at the right) 1. Piping Pan by Louis St. Gaudens. 2. Flying Cupid by Janet Scudder. 3. Muse Finding the Head of Orpheus by Edward Berge-a marble well expressive of gentle grief. Orpheus, sweetest musician of Greek mythology, after failing to recover his beloved Eurydice from the underworld, in his sorrow scorned the Thracian nymphs, who in their anger dismembered him. His head was washed up by the sea and found by the sorrowing Muses. 4. (At the left) Michael Angelo by Robert Aitken, showing the master-sculpture at work on one of his famous figures. 5. (At the right) Young Pan by Janet Scudder. 6. (At the left) Wood Nymph by Isidore Konti. 7. Young Mother with Child by Furio Piccirilli. 8. (At the right) Wild Flower by Edward Berge. 9. (At the left) Eurydice by Furio Piccirilli. 10. (At the right) Boy and Frog by Edward Berge. 11. (At the left) Dancing Nymphs by Olin L. Warner. 12. Idyl by Olga Popoff Muller. 13. An Outcast by Attilio Piccirilli. 14. (Beside the doorway) Youth by Charles Carey Rumsey. Before the doorway is to be placed The Pioneer Mother Monument by Charles Grafly.

About the rotunda are: 1. (Outside the southwest archway) Thomas Jefferson by Karl Bitter. 2. (In center of rotunda) Lafayette by Paul Wayland Bartlett-the statue given by America to France. 3. Lincoln by Daniel Chester French, a dignified portrayal that cannot be justly judged from the plaster model here exhibited. 4. Relief by Richard H. Recchia, representing "Architecture." 5. Commodore Barry Memorial by John J. Boyle. 6. Relief by Richard H. Recchia, representing "Architecture." 7. Princeton Student Memorial by Daniel Chester French a noble treatment of a difficult theme. 8. The Young Franklin by Robert Tait McKenzie. This is a fine conception, in which the sculptor has escaped from the conventional path of monumental portraiture. 9. (On walls of west archway) Reliefs by Bela L. Pratt, representing "Sculpture." 10. (Outside west archway) Portrait of a Boy by Albin Polasek. 11. The Awakening by Lindsey Morris Sterling. 12. (Beside northwest archway) William Cullen Bryant by Herbert Adams.

Along the north peristyle are: 1. (Beside main doorway of gallery) Beyond by Chester Beach. 2. The Sower by Albin Polasek. 3. The Centaur by Olga Popoff Muller. 4. Boy with Fish by Bela L. Pratt. 5. (At the right) Returning from the Hunt by John J. Boyle. 6. (At the left) L'Amour by Evelyn Beatrice Longman-a marble wherein the woman's figure is tenderly beautiful. 7. Garden Figure by Edith Woodman Burroughs. 8. (At the right) Fighting Boys Fountain by Janet Scudder. 9. Soldier of Marathon by Paul Noquet. 10. (At the left) Youth by Victor D. Salvatore. 11. (At the right) Primitive Man by Olga Popoff Muller. 12. The Scalp by Edward Berge-an unpleasant bit of realism. 13. (At the left) Apollo by Haig Patigian. 14. (At the right) A Faun's Toilet by Attilio Piccirilli. 15. Duck Baby Fountain by Edith Barretto Parsons. 16. Maiden of the Roman Campagna by Albin Polasek-a figure instinct with the spirit of the antique.