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| THE COLUMBIAN FOUNTAIN - Frederick MacMonnies was
entrusted with the design and construction of the central fountain at the
Fair, and $50,000 were placed at his disposal for the purpose. Of this
amount, it is said that the ardent lover of sculpture actually expended
fully $48,000 in bringing his great conception to successful completion.
The fountain shows Columbia sitting aloft of the Barge
of State, heralded by Fame at the prow,
oared by the Arts and Industries, guided by Time at the helm, and drawn by
the sea-horses of Commerce. The prow of the barge is ornamented with an
eagle's beak; its sides are bordered with dolphins in relief; and horns of
plenty pour their abundance over the gunwales. The pedestal on which
Columbia sits, bears a national shield in front, and the throne is
supported by four kneeling children, who also bear heavy garlands. A
torch at rest is in Columbia's hand. The rowers on the right are Music,
Architecture, Sculpture and Painting; on the left, Agriculture, Science,
Industry and Commerce. Time has improvised a helm by using his scythe.
This barge stands in the center of a circular basin, one hundred and fifty
feet in diameter, which at its eastern periphery flows in circular cascade
in many falls to the surface of the Grand
Basin of the Exposition, twelve feet below.
In the basin of the fountain, four pair of sea-horses, mounted by riders
who represent modern intelligence, draw the barge. Near the semi-circular
balustrade which guards the rear of the fountain, dolphins send streams
upward, and mermaids and tritons at various places add to the fleecy
display of high-thrown water. The general effect of the MacMonnies
fountain was marvelously beautiful, and thousands of visitors gained their
chief enjoyment in sitting near by and enjoying the principal scene. It
was said to be the largest fountain in the world. |
