The Sculpture and Mural Decorations of the Exposition: A Pictorial Survey of the Art of the Panama-Pacific international expositionPerry, Stella G. S. (Stella George Stern)
General
The Sculpture and Mural Decorations of the Exposition: A Pictorial Survey of the Art of the Panama-Pacific international exposition
Perry, Stella G. S. (Stella George Stern)
Panama-Pacific International Exposition (1915 : San Francisco, Calif.); Sculpture, American
All of the sculpture about the Palace of Machinery partakes
appropriately of the size and strength of that huge building which
houses the world's progress in mechanical arts. The sculpture, like the
building, is Roman rather than Greek in type and modern American in
vigor and expression, as are the chief contents of the Palace. The
sculptor, Haig Patigian of San Francisco, has expressed this combination
with power and virility. The frieze here illustrated appears at the base
of massive columns, interestingly made of simulated Sienna marble, the
warm tones truly reproduced. The frieze is extremely energetic, although
well restrained, and supports the great column as a basic frieze should
do, especially when its subject is so appropriate to the purpose. Two
winged Genii, one holding a pulley, one upholding the column upon his
hands, alternate with two Disciples, for whom their extended wings
create a background. One of these is complemented by hammer and anvil,
the other by furnace and tongs. Both share the column's weight on
powerful arms. The imaginary figures show potential strength in repose,
the human figures potent strength in action. The frieze in low relief is
colorful and decorative.
The Powers
Column Finials, Machinery Hall
High upon the mighty columns that surround, relieve and give color to
the immense facades of Machinery Palace, are Haig Patigian's masculine
and trenchant figures "The Four Powers." These are of heroic height, and
create an impression of superhuman size and strength even when raised so
far above the ground. They have a simple robustness that accords well
with their theme. Two of the Powers are abstract, the driving powers of
thought; these are Invention and Imagination. Two are concrete,
representing the mightiest powers of modern mechanics, Steam Power and
Electric Power. Steam Power is forcing the driving arm of an engine;
Electric Power, the world at his feet, handles the lightnings. He wears
the winged cap of Mercury, messenger of the gods, for electricity is the
messenger of modern days. Invention, crowned with the bays of
achievement, holds in his hand a bird-man about to leave the earth;
Imagination, accompanied by the eagle making ready to soar, dreams with
closed eyes.
Pirate Deck-Hand
Niches, North Facade of Palaces
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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