Front view of "The Expanding Universe Fountain" with sprays of water

Front view of "The Expanding Universe Fountain" with sprays of water

Bronze sculpture, American--20th century.
Figure sculpture, American--20th century.
Fountains.
Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998
Harry S. Truman Federal Building (Washington, D.C.)

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"

Marshall M. Fredericks Papers
Series V, Box 10 Folder 2

n.d.

Use of this image requires permission from the Marshall M. Fredericks Archives.

V-10-02

image/jpeg

Image

Washington (D.C.)

Black and white polaroid print

3.25" x 4.25"