The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-10-21
ART NOTES.
REhfsittsn or Models for the solaisrs ana sarl-
ore, haeuortal.

EzhfSittsn OF Models for the solaiers ana satI-
ora' sHenoriai.
Everybody interested in the project to erectl In
the Fifth avenue plaza a soldiers and sailors'
memorial with the S25o,ooo appropriated for
the purpose by the Legislature will do we'll to
look at the eight models submitted In COMPETE
ton for the work which are now on public ex-
hibition at the Arsenal in Central Park. Each
model is accompanied by a ground plan showing
the position tho monument, as proposed by
each designer. is to occupy in the plaza,
and though an expert might in imagina-
zion picture the memorials as in place, and
so form an opinion as to the general effect
OF each one II erected. 1t Is not likely that
tho general public can do moro than settle
on n preference for one or another OF tho models
as they stand detached on tables in the largo up
stairs room in the Arsenal. None of the models
shows more than q fair degree OF merit, but one
or two as they stand are better than all the rest
From another point of view the intention shown
in one or two models that arc not so successful
artistically as certain others is commendable,
and IL the intention were better expressed in
the forms Of the designs these models would DO
better fitted for the proposed memorial than
the others, which surpass them in excellence
per Sc. Such a one is the plan no.. 81 for q
sort Of gateway to the Park treated as an
arrangement Of arches and domes on the north
and west sides of a square. The plan is well
enough, but the design is too ponderous and too
solid in character to meet the requirements OF
the site. The park lies behind the proposed
gateway and should retain the effect mado by
tho broad stretches of the roadway as 1t is now
and the full value OF the masses of foliage as
seen from tho lower end OF the plaza. Yet this
design places q massive obstruction before this
view. 1t is not so high as to cut 1t Off entirely
and the model is pierced by arches. Neverthe-
less, it is lacking IN lightness and elegance. In
tho sort of character, in short, that such q gate
way should possess, and must be considered un-
suitable for this reason, not at all because the
scheme itself is not a good one.
Another design mo. n shows q truncated
shaft, the whole structure forming n pyramidal
monument, suggesting with its sculpture
somewhat the general effect OF tho Gen.
Money monument in tho Place Clichy,
Paris. There is SO much sculpture. for
there are groups around it and a big group on
top, that the merit in this design must lie
almost wholly in the excellence Of the sculpture.
the architecture being subordinate. Evidently.
therefore. as the model shows tho sculpture
only in sketch form, and that Of no precise exc
cution, this design cannot be considered favor
ably without knowing who Is the sculptor who
Is to make the groups. 1t is also o question
whether. IL they were modelled by one OF our
best artists. tho cost Of the monument would
fall within the appropriation. The six remain
ing models present as q motive q high column
or shaft.
In model No. l there is a column rising from q
base formed by a circular structure surrounded
by a row of columns. There are four groups of
sculpture placed about the central motive on
independent pedestals. The top of the column
bears a winged figure. This design is not SO
attractive in aspect as some OF tho other five.
nor is it SO good in mass or detail. Model No.
Q shows a structure with a sort OF Greek temple,
with porticos serving as the base OF the monu-
ment, and a shaft rising from the centre of the
roof. Bronze rclicfs are shown on the walls Of
the basic structure. The design is neither har-
monious in its parts nor remarkable for unity
OF general aspect. Model No. 3 possesses q dis
tinguishing feature in a semi.Circular peristyle
placed behind the monument. 1t adds to the
beauty OF the general design, and it would
be n pity to remove it. Yet it unfortunately
takes up space on either side of the shaft and is
open TO the criticism that, though comparative
" slight in itself. it would obstruct to som ex-
tent the clear view of the Park entrance that is
now the most attractive characteristic OF the
plaza. and should not be cut off if there is any
way 10 help it This model has a square base
rising about one-third of the total height Of tho
monument, and the shaft rising above is finely
proportional. There are four sculptured figures
at the corners Of the plinth. Considered with.
out regard TO the site it is intended to occupy,
this project has many points of excellence.
Model No. 4 has n squareb base. with half-circle
platforms approached by steps on the four sides.
The shaft is circular. 1t is very good in general
effect, except that the littlo lantern.likc cap
which crowns the shaft is out Of harmony with
all the rest, and has a belittling and somewhat
grotcs9ue effect. The design shown in model No.
D is in maay ways the best of the eight. A fine
group of three figures. fine by suggestion at
least, is placed before the base, a solid.looking
cube. well planted on the ground. There is no
raised platform in this model. as in the others
on exhibition. and the monument is encircled by
posts and lantern shafts. resembling the EN-.
placement OF the Arch OF Triumph at
the head OF tho Champs ElysGes in
Paris. Tho column itself is iuted, has a
square cap and gallery with railing. and is
surmountcd by a globe on which pcrches an
eagle with outsprcad wings. The chapel.like
structure in the rear OF this model could be
eliminated and tho back of the design treated
like the front. The last model tSo. ~ shows a
platform surrounded by a wall and balustrade. an
elaborate base. and an Independent pedestal on
either side, bearing figures OF mounted buglcrs.
One turns on his saddle to call toward tho north.
the other toward the south. The action of these
equestrian figures when seen at a distance
might be misinterpreted. The great lines of
this design are good. but the effect of the plat.
form is perhaps too substantial. 1t Is too much
n part OF the structure. in other words, and not
sufficiently treated as a setting, or emplace.
meat.
The exhibition Of the cigh. models is made by
the authorities without giving the names OF the
authors OF tho projects. The designs are dcsig.
mated by numbers only. As the exhibition may
be considered as tho result of a limited competi.
ton, the propricty OF exposing the models to pub
lie criticism before an award has been made is
at least a Mt subject for ommcnt inasmuch as
1t violates the well.defned professional etiquette
that rules in such matters. After seeing the
models and visiting the proposed site for the
monument the conclusion seems to be ire.
sistible that n shaft big and high enough
TO comport with the tall buildings in
the vicinity would be altogether too vast
and imposing for the gentle background FUR.
nished by the prospect OF the Park, so that II the
money voted for the memorial were suflcicnt 10