THE EXPOSITION MEMORIAL. 
COLUMBIAN ROTUNDA. 
The Rotunda of the main building of the Museum is devoted 
to an artistic memorial of Columbus and of the Columbian Expo- 
sition. The center-piece— the statute of the Great Discoverer 
with uplifted sword consecrating the New World— at once attracts 
attention both as an historical study and as a masterpiece of art. 
The original sketch models of the figures and groups of figures 
ornamenting the main Exposition buildings, and donated by the 
Exposition to the Museum, occupy the entire space around the 
statue. These models are invaluable as works of modern art, 
representing the genius of the most talented sculptors of the pres- 
ent day. 
In the contracts entered into with the various prominent 
sculptors they were called upon to furnish what are called 
“Sketches” of the sculptural decorations, i. e., the models were to 
be about one-sixth of the full size; from these models the Expo- 
sition’s force of sculptors prepared full-size work by enlarging the 
“Sketches” six times. All the models were first submitted to the 
architects of the buildings for their approval, in order to harmo- 
nize the sculptural decorations with the architecture. The 
models here shown are the original “Sketches.” 
No. 1.— Columbus. By Augustus St. Gaudens. This im- 
posing full size statue stood overlooking the Court of Honor at 
the main portal of the Administration Building. Translation of 
Latin inscription on pedestal: 
“In late years the centuries will come 
“When the ocean will loose its fetters 
“And the vast earth will lie open, 
“And Tethis will disclose new countries. 
“When Thule will no longer be the remotest of lands.” 
No. 2, — Statue of the Republic. By Daniel C. French. 
