New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-08-23

ming OF the coming winter. Not only is the work
on the quadriga we'll advanced. but the first
sketches for the other groups have been COM
pleted They give their creator marked satisfac-
ton and he speaks Of them with genuine enthu-
siasm.
This information is contained in a letter written
by Mr. MacMonnies on August 6to ex-Park Com
missioner Frank Squier, and received by him in
the course OF the last week. 1t came in answer to
one sent some little time ago by Mr. Squer asking
what progress was being made and how soon the
bronzes were likely to be finished The sculptor
begins by saying:
In answer 10 your letter Of July 90 cannot
tell you with any certainty when the quadriga
will he on the arch.
The work is being carried to completion with
all possible dispatch. With the exception Of the
central figure. the entire group is we'll advanced,
two Of the horses are finished in clay in plas-
ter and the first is being cast in bronze One Of
the Victories is nearly completed"
Later in the letter he says You will be inter-
ested in the photos send with this-irst sketches
of the groups of the Army and Navy for the
arch"
1t will be remembered that Mr.. MacMonnies Is
also to make two groups for the pedestals erected
at the Coney Island entrance of the Park. He re-
ferc to these in his letter to Mr.. Squier The
groups for the pedestals at the Coney Island en-
trance" he says were contracted for for one
horse and one rider each. / intend TO execute two
horses and one rider each"
The photographs which Mr.. MacMonnies Tor
warded to the ex-Park Commissioner were taken
from the first sketches made for two groups
representing the Army and Navy. which VIII De
placed on the pedestals in front OF the Memorial
Arch They convey only suggestion OF what
the completed works will be. but enough is dis
closed to show the spirit and vigor that Will
characterize them. The central figures In them
will probably represent Grant and Farragut
These groups will be companion pieces for the
Quadriga that is TO crown the arch II is evident
from what Mr.. MacMonnies says that the quad
riga Will in all probability be cast in the course
of the winter, and doubtless II will be put in
place some time next spring The occasion VIII
be one OF special interest 10 the people OF Brooh
Ign.
AS yet time can be set for the completion
Of the Army and Navy groups. The quotation
from the letter Of the sculptor which has been
given shows that only the first sketches Tor
them have been made. and with all that ne has
hand ii is obvious that he will not be able
TO go to work at them in earnest for several
months at the earliest He indicates nothing
as TO the progress Of the groups for the Coney
Island entrance of the Park. The first sketches
for these, however were made some time ago
They are be artistic groups Of two horses
and riders each. in spirited action.
The pedestals made ready year ago
70 receive the works in bronze that VIII COM
pete the ornamental work at this entrance
Panels Of marble with bronze scrollwork, were
placed on each side of the granite pedestals
Exposure TO the elements has wrought the ef-
feet Intended on these marbles, and softened
the c0loring into a delicate greenish gray that
is most pleasing to the eye
Mr. MacMonnies has also In hand the execu-
ton Of bronze eagles perched on spheres OF the
same material which will be placed on top OF
the four granite columns at the main entrance
O. the Park Two Of these columns were erected
three or four years ago, and the others are now
being built. -,
The completion Of this entrance ana the a6il-
ton 10 the arch Of the bronzes whlch NJ
MacMonnies is engaged in executing VIII adI
greatly 10 the attractiveness Of this part OF
Prospect Park The quadriga and slde groups
for the arch will bring sharply to the atien'.Un ION
OF the intelligent portion OF the community w IN
unhtness for the places they occupy Oh tlte
bronze panels placed n the inside OF me am
last fall These were finally accepted by the
city about month ago and the last payilen1 y"
them made Under the hard-and-fast co!llldCt
that existed having been made win a FORMER
Arch Commission there was no other course 10
nlIrsue There is general feeling on the par
Of those competent t. judge that these paheIS
are on, ~ r,lace on the arch. though IL ~ Ne
Ueyed that they might be set up 70 adVahtasc
in some Of the smaller parks. Ana theIe ar
some who are equally strongly con- me- ~, NC.
the recantlv erected statue Of General warren
only q few rods from the arch Is quite az "'
worthy OF the conspicuous place 1t occupies