Plaster head and torso for the full-scale model for "The Expanding Universe Fountain"

Dublin Core

Title

Plaster head and torso for the full-scale model for "The Expanding Universe Fountain"

Subject

Artists' studios--United States.
Figure sculpture, American--20th century.
Fountains.
Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998

Description

This fountain celebrates the nation's first exploration of outer space. According to Fredericks, the sculpture "represents this age of great interest, exploration and discovery in outer space...[and] the immensity, order and mystery of the universe.”

The monumental central figure suggests a superhuman mythological being. Seated upon a ten-foot sphere, covered in a pattern of bright-star constellations, the figure holds two planets that he is sending off into space. The dynamic spiral orbit-form swirling around the sphere represents the speed and perpetual motion of space. Play of the water from numerous star-shaped sprays increases the feeling of movement.

The full-scale casting of this sculpture is located in the South Court of the United States State Department Building in Washington, D.C.

The fountain is also known as: "Man and the Expanding Universe"

Creator

Hartwick, Maurice C.

Source

Marshall M. Fredericks Papers
Series V, Box 9 Folder 21

Date

n.d.

Rights

Use of this image requires permission from the creator.

Relation

V-09-21

Format

image/jpeg

Type

Image

Identifier

0908

Coverage

Royal Oak (Mich.)

Still Image Item Type Metadata

Original Format

Black and white print

Physical Dimensions

8" x 10"

Files

Item #1326.jpg

Citation

Hartwick, Maurice C., “Plaster head and torso for the full-scale model for "The Expanding Universe Fountain",” Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, accessed December 26, 2024, https://omeka.svsu.edu/items/show/1326.