The figures within the rotunda, surmounting the eight columns are
"Priestesses of Culture," by Herbert Adams.
The flower-box sculptures are by Ulric H. Ellerhusen-both those on the
ground and those at the corners of the boxes surmounting the peristyle.
The ladies on the latter, looking so steadily into the boxes, do not
represent "Curiosity." The plan was to have masses of foliage
overflowing, and half-covering the figures; and when this was given up,
the decorative women gave the unexpected impression of being deeply
absorbed in something happening out of sight of the spectator below. An
explanation which has gained some currency is that the figures represent
"Introspection," which seems quite apropos.
The kneeling figure (unnamed) on the edge of the lagoon before the
rotunda is by Ralph Stackpole. It is one of the most appealing bits of
all the Exposition sculpture, well expressing devotion and reverence. It
cannot be reached from the rotunda side, this portion of the shore being
closed to the public.
The figure over the doorway of the gallery is Leo Lentelli's
"Aspiration." During the early months of the Exposition this statue was
suspended from behind, the base on which it now stands having been
placed late in the Spring. As the figure first appeared, hanging in air,
it caused more comment than any other sculpture on the grounds.
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