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| NORTHEASTERN CORNER OF THE GRAND BASIN - We
look through the portal of the Fair into the air above Lake Michigan.
On the summit of the pylon is the splendid
group in plaster made by
D. C. French and E. C. Potter at a cost of $15,000. In that group,
called "The Triumph of Columbus," the
discoverer stands in a chariot,
supported on his sword, and drawn by two horses. These are led by
two maidens, each of whom leads also another steed, and, bearing the
standards of victory, two outriders appear a little at the rear of
the chariot. The gilded Statue of the Republic, by Daniel C. French,
towers directly before us, and is doubtless the best colossal effigy
ever moulded into human form. It must be understood that the eye
could never guide the sculptor who made this figure. His
measurements must alone produce the stupendous structure which
experience showed to be unneeded, except as a buttress for the
Colonnade. In the corner is one of two Temples of
Vesta, which were
let to the holders of concessions. Inside the arch was a wide
bridge, and the entire promenade was paved with brick. Theodore
Bauer's rows of statues may be seen, and at the bases of the arch two
of four groups by Miss Bela G. Pratt. |
