Photograph of study for "The Expanding Universe Fountain"

Dublin Core

Title

Photograph of study for "The Expanding Universe Fountain"

Subject

Drawing, American--20th century.
Figure drawing.
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"

Creator

Photographer unidentified

Source

Marshall M. Fredericks Papers.
Series II, Box 11, Folder 5

Date

circa 1964

Rights

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

Relation

II-11-05

Format

image/jpeg

Language

eng

Type

Image

Still Image Item Type Metadata

Original Format

Black and white print

Physical Dimensions

8" x 10"

Files

Item #8068.jpg

Citation

Photographer unidentified, “Photograph of study for "The Expanding Universe Fountain",” Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, accessed March 28, 2024, https://omeka.svsu.edu/items/show/8068.