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| THE SILVER QUEEN - In the western gallery of
the Mines and Mining Building - probably the most conspicuous object
in that locality - was the golden and silvern group of statuary
called the Silver Queen, representing a mining company at Aspen,
Colorado. The engraving gives the details of this work with much
fidelity, and shows the methods of its construction. The platform
was artistically wrought, and protected by a metal bar. The
electroliers rose from four square corners out of glass cabinets of
Silver Queen ore. Convex show-cases lay along the other sides of the
platform, and supported another and smaller platform. From this rose
pedestals on which infantile figures in solid silver poured
cornucopias of silver dollars out on the world, and held the lines of
a boat with chariot wheels, in which, under a canopy, with staff of
office in hand, sat the Silver Queen, with crown of gold. The canopy
was richly made, and on its summit rested an eagle with wings
displayed. This very costly adornment of the gallery outshone its
surroundings. It was, at least, as beautiful as the Montana Statue,
but the Exposition proved that white marble is the best material for
the sculptor's art. Whether butter or gold, the "phenomenal" statue
is lacking in interest. |
