But they are not at
all polished or subtle, lacking the refinement that would make them
interesting as something besides vigorous types. All four figures are by
Haig Patigian. They are repeated in different order on columns before
the north and south portals of the building.
The bas-relief friezes about the bases of the vestibule columns are also
by Haig Patigian. The winged figure, typifying "Machinery," lends itself
to decorative uses better than the purely human type, and the artist has
worked in various mechanical symbols quite cleverly. The cardinal
principle in sculptural decoration of this sort is that the frieze, like
the whole column, must carry an impression of support. It will be
noticed that no room has been left above the head or below the feet; and
the disposition of the wings and arms further adds to the feeling that
the figures are a true structural unit rather than mere ornament stuck
on.
The spandrels over the minor arches in the vestibule, again typifying
"Machinery," are equally successful in serving an architectural purpose.
Mural sculpture, like mural painting, must never be allowed to "make a
hole" in the wall. Notice how fully the figures cover the given space,
without any background to draw the eye beyond the surface. These
spandrels are also by Haig Patigian. The column reliefs and the
spandrels are repeated at the minor doorways of the building.
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