| Home -> Paul Elder - > The Sculpture and Mural Decorations of the Exposition - Lafayette | |||
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Lafayette
Exhibit, Fine Arts Rotunda |
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| Paul Wayland Bartlett's "Lafayette," of which this is a plaster copy, should be known and honored by every loyal American. It is considered by many the most successful equestrian statue of modern times and it was the gift of the school children of America to the Republic of France. The original bronze stands in the Court of the Louvre, the most coveted location in Paris. The position of honor among the sculpture exhibits accorded to this copy, as the central piece in the Temple of Sculpture, gives the impressive beauty of the "Lafayette" the distinction it deserves. Seen at a little distance, with the background of the lagoon, the superb bearing of both horse and rider get their full effect. This interpretation of Lafayette, commanding, heroic, graceful, unselfconscious, his Gallic dash and fire evident but restrained by military and aristocratic control, is stirring and convincing. The upheld sword is a touch of fine artistry. Mr. Bartlett was Chairman for Sculpture of the Exposition Jury of Fine Arts. He has just completed the pedestal heads for the House wing of the Capitol at Washington. His "Dying Lion," exhibited in plaster copy in the Fine Arts garden, has been coupled by critics with the "Wounded Lion" of Rodin. | |||
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