9 
THE COLUHBIAN 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 statue 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 models of the figures and groups of figures orna- 
menting the main Exposition buildings, and donated by the Expo- 
sition 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 present day. 
In the contracts entered into with the various prominent 
sculptors they were called upon 'fe 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 har- 
monize the sculptural decorations with the architecture. The 
models here shown are the original “Sketches.” 
N’o. 1. — Columbus. By Augustian 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. 
Nos. 3 to 38. — Statuary on Administration Building. By 
Karl Bitter, Sculptor. 
3. Water Controlled. 10. Air Uncontrolled. 
4. Water Uncontrolled. ii. Goddess of Fire. 
5. Fire Controlled. 12. Fisher Maiden. 
6. Fire Uncontrolled. 
7. Earth ControDed. 
8. Earth Uncontrolled. 
9. Air Controlled. 
13. Bather. 
14. Diana. 
15. Air. 
16. Harvest Girl. 
