"The Expanding Universe Fountain" - front view

Dublin Core

Title

"The Expanding Universe Fountain" - front view

Subject

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

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"

Source

Marshall M. Fredericks Papers
Series V, Box 10 Folder 3

Date

n.d.

Rights

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

Relation

V-10-03

Format

image/jpeg

Type

Image

Identifier

08

Coverage

Washington (D.C.)

Still Image Item Type Metadata

Original Format

Color print

Physical Dimensions

4" x 6"

Files

Item #1356.jpg

Citation

“"The Expanding Universe Fountain" - front view,” Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, accessed December 24, 2024, https://omeka.svsu.edu/items/show/1356.