Repository: UIHistories Project: Illio - 1895 [PAGE 75]

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fitting that these civic emblems of the Roman world should furnish a screen for, and a passage into, that gig-antic structure in which is contained the evidence of development, such as only modern empires may boast. Nearer at hand to the right and on this side of the monumental bridge, is the Palace of Mechanic Arts, another Corinthian example, with its triple barrel-vaulted roof, the gable ends of which form such a prominent feature of the elevation. The angle pavilion is treated with a low but graceful dome, and the central pylons flanked by Spanish Campaniles, tormenting the sky with their serrated outlines. The highly ornate colonnade, outlined against the mellow-tinted loggia walls, makes on the whole the most original and striking example of exposition architecture in the park. A t the left, the grand hemicyclar portal to the Electricity building serves the purpose of a colossal niche for Carl Rohl-Smith's statue of Franklin. If this building as a whole fails to grace its important function on the Court of Honor, it may be well said that no work of the sculptor's art ever filled a setting nobler than this vast semirotundal porch. T h e visitor will next take his station on either bridge, that he may better study the great fountain and the Administration building itself. T h e great octagonal dome and shell is buttressed by

four square, angle pavilions of the common height of the Court faQades. So gradual is the transition from the heavy Roman Doric of the basement to the sculptured ribs and panels on the haunches of the dome, and in such a way is the upward spring assisted by angle pavilions, outer shell or screen, and minor domes, that one may hardly appreciate the magnificent height to which the crown attains. This great elevation grows from a series of easy stages, so that with the corona-tipped summit the problem is finished, the requirements of the eye are satisfied; the presence of a belvidere or lantern would betray an ambition for mere height rather than perfect proportion. Much the same architectural feeling pervades all the great Exposition structures, but the Administration, by reason of its commanding position, its superior height, and its noble simplicity of outline, easily maintains sovereignty over its subjects of the Court. T h e central feature of the fountain, the barge, with its concentric arrangement of cascades, seahorses, mermaids, and other accessories, is an object of wonderful interest from whatever part of the grand basin it is seen. T h e barge itself, highly ornate in outline and treatment, is manned by heroic figures, representing the arts and sciences, with Time at the helm; and on a pedestal, borne aloft by cherubim- is Jhe seated figure of Columbia. Hers is not the