Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-01-18

IHeut IN TIE present instance. however. NJ.
Falguiere explained that he had designed the
statue of Lafayette. the principal figure
as well as the figures of DeGrasse and DIES
tang, two OF the four compatriots OF Lafay cite.
who are to be represented around the base. and
that his colaborer had designed the other two,
Rochambeau and Du Portal. and the figure OF
America. who is represented at the base of the
monument offering sword to Lafayette. In
this way each had designed half of the monu-
ment. When asked If he intended visiting
America when the statue is unveiled NJ. Fall
gulere replied. with an eager smile: Il woudn't
miss it for great deal For many years have
wanted to go to America. and now have such
good opportunity | certainly shall not neg
lect it. And NJ. Mercie viii 30. too"
The greater part of " Falguiere's work is
ceives about $4,000. Two other of his public
works. however. besides the Lafayette monu-
ment are statuettes of de Musset. which is now
being made. and of Admiral Courbet.
VIEWING THE LAFAYETTE MONUMENT.
NJ Falguiere said that he thought the statues
which are to form the Lafayette monument
had arrived from the foundry. but as it was
grand fete day he doubted if the ware house
would be open. He nevertheless gave me a
card which woIld admit me if should find
any one there, and armed with it jumped in
cab and after nearly an hours ride was dc :
posted at No. ia Rue LAFAYETTE, at the other
side of the city. The concierge. who was the
only person present. recognized nv creden-
tials and l was at once admitted to a bewilder-
ing collection of statues of all sizes and subjects
L soon found the figures l was i'll search of,
and will state here that unless the first view is
very deceptive Washington will be adorned by
a work of art which will be valuable addition
to Its artistic possessions. The figure of La
fayette stood by itself. 1t seemed majestic and
imposing. 1t is eleven feet high. In obtain
ing personal resemblance the sculptor awaited
himself of the information contained in the
Bibliotheque Rationale at Paris. The patriotic
hero Is represented in the prime of manhood,
Tor his most valuable services TO America were
rendered before he was twenty-five. He is
attired in the full continental uniform. His
left arm rests on the hilt of his sword while
his cloak. thrown over that arm, falls gracefully
to his feet at the rear. forming a suitable back
ground. as it were. His weight rests on his left
foot and his right arm is extended The pose
OF the aristocratic head is particularly pleasing
and the whole figure is very striking and i'm
posing.
THE OTHER STATUES,
which bad just arrived from the foundry, had
been left by the workmen apparently Just as
they were when the hour for knocking off work
arrived. They had evidently been cast in pairs.
Rochambeau and Duportail. side by side with
hands clasped. had Just been brought to a
standing position, but the rope with which
thew had been derricked had been left about
their nccks and they looked as if they had
mounted scaffold. DeGrasse and D'Estaing
in sections. were lying on the floor Decreases
head. which had not been attached rested gro
tesquely between Lafayette's legs. The figure
of America lay near by on the fiat of her back.
giving her the appearance of kicking her left
leg i'll air and juggling the sword
which she is supposed to be Offering
to Lafayette. Notwithstanding the absurd
positions of these figures, enough could be
seen to show that they will prove fitting accom-
paniments of the principal figure Rocham-
beau is represented as placing his hand on that
OF Duportail i'll a restraining manner. His
body Is turned toward his companion, giving
profile view. At their feet lies a cannon, or
rather mortar. D'Estaing and DeGrasse are
represented standing beside each other,
each with his sword in the left hand. De-
Grasses right hand is at his side and his atti-
tude is that of listener. His companions
right hand is raised if slightly gesturing
At their feet lies an anchor. All of these Off
GERS are represented in the full uniform of their
rank In the American army. Each of the four
figures is about nine feet in height. The posi-
lions of all graceful, with just enough spirit
or movement TO make them attractive. The
rear of the base is to be adorned with a couple
of small Cupids.
This monument, if provided with suitable
foundation, will be deserving of the best loca-
ton that can be found at the national Capitol.
and when erected will prove a work of art
which the city and general public will point out
with pride. r..