Apologists for the building say that the profuse
ornateness rightly suggests the richness of California's horticulture.
Perhaps the best view of the dome is from the east end of the Avenue of
the Nations, near the Denmark building, because from there one can see
it unobstructed, escaping the disturbing effect of the portals and their
spires. The Palace of Horticulture was designed by Bakewell and Brown of
San Francisco.
Sculpture. All of the sculpture here is purely decorative. The frieze at
the base of each spire, consisting of heavy female figures modeled in
pairs, is by E. L. Boutier. The ornamental Caryatides of the porches are
by John Bateman.
Palace of Fine Arts
The Fine Arts Palace has been more admired, probably, than any other
architectural unit at the Exposition. The reasons are not far to seek.
The architect has used those classic forms which for ages have been
recognized as best suited to monumental structures, and yet he has used
them with originality. The building is classically noble, but without
classic austerity or coldness. It is at once beautiful in form, rich in
decorative detail, and satisfyingly warm in color. Moreover, it has the
finest setting of all the Exposition buildings. The bigness of
conception, the boldness with which the largest architectural elements
have been handled, the perfect arrangement of architecture, planting,
and reflecting waters-all these combine to create the most compelling
picture on the grounds.
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