"The Consciousness of Mankind Rising Above the Earth into the Expanding Universe"

Dublin Core

Title

"The Consciousness of Mankind Rising Above the Earth into the Expanding Universe"

Subject

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

Description

Pencil and watercolor on board
20.5" x 30"

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

Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998

Source

Marshall M. Fredericks Papers
Series VIII, Cabinet 1 Drawer 6 Folder 5

Date

n.d.

Rights

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

Relation

VIII-01-06-05

Format

image/jpeg

Language

eng

Type

Pencil and watercolor drawing

Identifier

VIII.1998.001.494

Drawing Item Type Metadata

Original Format

Pencil and watercolor drawing

Physical Dimensions

20.5" x 30"

Files

Item #6264.jpg

Citation

Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998 , “"The Consciousness of Mankind Rising Above the Earth into the Expanding Universe",” Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, accessed November 4, 2024, https://omeka.svsu.edu/items/show/6264.