Nine-toed Maiden at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco
by Don Struke
Title
Nine-toed Maiden at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco
Artist
Don Struke
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco was the centerpiece of the rather elaborate 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition, created for San Francisco to honor the discovery of the Pacific Ocean and the completion of the Panama Canal. Also celebrated was the rebirth of the city after the 1906 earthquake and fire. The Palace is loaded (not an architect's term) with statuary and one group I like is represented in my photo of one of its young ladies. Here�s an appreciation (of the art, not the remaining nine toes) from �The Sculpture and Mural Decorations of the Exposition� by A. Stirling Calder (father of Alexander Calder):
�The very large flower boxes bearing masses of luxuriant California shrubs that mark the Peristyle Walk in the Fine Arts Colonnade are constantly admired for their own beauty, the beauty of their contents and their part in the general effectiveness of the delightful Colonnade they enrich. The friezes are by Ulric H. Ellerhusen, who made also the Weeping Figures and the heroic �Guardians of Arts� already described. It is interesting to note that the precision of handling has given this design, in spite of its size, an exquisite delicacy. Standing at charmingly balanced intervals, a circle of maidens bear a heavy rope-garland. This rope makes a gratifying line that has given pleasure to connoisseurs. The frieze is so successful largely because, though frankly decorative as suits its purpose, its personality and charm distinguish it from the pattern-like or conventional. The landscape planting in the boxes, in the flower beds and above, is one of the enduring attractions of this colonnade and walk. The green is architecturally massed and the relief of flowers bright and delicate, never intrusive.�
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April 23rd, 2011
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