These mural paintings are among the most interesting and most
imaginative of all those at the Exposition. Some of the groups are
particularly fine in coloring. Note the method of obtaining the right
effect of "flatness" by employing a conventional diaper pattern for the
background throughout. The panels here are much more effective under
full illumination at night than by daylight.
The Fountain of Energy
The Fountain of Energy in the South Gardens was designed to be the
crowning feature of the sculpture of the Exposition, just as the Tower
of Jewels was designed to dominate the architectural scheme; and it
fails of its high purpose in much the same way. It is closely allied
with the tower in symbolic meaning, celebrating man's victory over the
forces of nature in the successful building of the canal.
In the pool at the base of the fountain are a number of graceful groups
of water sprites on dolphins, and four larger groups representing the
four great seas. The one to the east of the main fountain represents The
Atlantic Ocean as a woman with sea-horses in one hand and coral like
hair, on the back of a conventionalized dolphin. At the north The North
Sea is represented by a sort of sea-man, with occasional fins and with a
three-pronged spear in hand, riding on a walrus. At the west The Pacific
Ocean is typified by a woman on a remarkable sea monster.
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