New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-03-10
POLAR BEAR. FOR ONE OF THE BRIDGES.

POLAR BEAR. FOR ONE OF THE BRIDGES
directions simultaneously and with equal force
II is not a test which can be vigorously applied
with uniformly fiattering results in connection
with the Fair buildings, for the scuptors have
had to produce so much and in so little time that
their work could hardly do otherwise than oc-
casionally fall below a high sculpturesqne, if not
decorative standard. Yet considerable work
has been done which meets the test very well
indeed As the buildings are situated, any con
secutive review of their decoration must begin,
fortunately with sculpture that is generally cred
liable to its author.
Ii is 10 sculptural decoration CT an especially
nervous. vivified and picturesque character that
we turn in the groups which Mr.. Karl Bitter has
modelled for the Administration Building. 1t Is
of the sort which the character of that structure
itself demanded. Thoroughly academic ana monu-
mental, and composed in large masses. the build
inc needed decoration which would lend touch
OF lirhtness 20 It's outlines and al the same time
remain in harmony with thr spirit of dignity
which pervadcs the design. That is the Kind OF
decoration which Mr.. Bitter has supplied. 1t is
inherently animated work. 1t contributes as
IL does 10 the symmetry OF Mr.. Hunts scheme
largely because the latter provided exactly the
most felicitOus places for its reception. but to
very great extent also because the sculptor has
adapted himself clovcrly 20 the places, OBJ
served so inteigently the conditions Of scale and
NJ what might be called. for the moment. pictorial
effect the effect of the entire composition against
its bac,ground or how much importance the
sculpturc must be in that effect idea NAV be
gained by recalling the design OF the Admins
tration Building. The pavilions placed at the
four sides Of the octagon which bears pillarci
gallery. in its turn bearing large dcme, are
projected from that octagon in such fashion that
only one OF their angles il actually connected
with the latter. This leaves almost the entire
roof line Of each pavilion free and each one has
In fact three prominent corners terminating in
solid masses of masonry above the cornicc. masses
which break the balustradc Of open work running
around the pavilion, and which would literally
cry aloud for some irregular Ornamcntation to
relieve their severity as they are seen in sill
houctte under the sky. They obvious bases
for sculptural groups In the same wav the piers
in the gallery back Of and above these pavlions
rise to stage at the base Of the dome whercon
similar decorative additions would seem equally
Inevitable. For all these waiting pcdestals
Mr. Bitter has made symbolical groups, twelve
on the pavilion roof level IMPLYING the various
virtues of the ideal American charity, JOY dill
aence, patriotism and Oh, and eight the
level of the gallery roof by which he has aimed
20 represent the fruits OF mans cultivation Of
hiuself art, science war, commerce. Justice and
relieion Returning 10 the level of the ground
foutd in eight groups placed each side Of
each of the four grand entrances and IMPLYING
q pain the touS elements. al. lire. earth and