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Earth
Detail, One of "The Elements" |
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| The Four Elements, heroic pieces by Robert I. Aitken, are placed at the top of the main stairways leading down into the sunken gardens of the Court of the Universe. In spite of their imaginative themes, these massive works have the same gripping reality that characterizes all the later method of this sculptor. He has treated the elements, especially "Earth" and "Air," in their relation to man. As here pictured, "Earth," the quiet mother, sleeps on her rocks, over which little human beings struggle and toil. The rear view of "Air," the group on the opposite side of the same stairway, may be seen in the foreground of the plate illustrating The Nations of the East. "Air" holds a star in her hair; she has great wings and is attended by floating sea-gulls. Behind her, a man has strapped his arms to her mighty pinions, signifying the effort of the present age to ride the winds. "Fire" and "Water," across the gardens, are shown in vivid action; "Fire" roaring with his salamander, and "Water" blowing a stormy gust across the waves. | |||
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