The Man with the Pick
Palace of Varied Industries



In the repeated niches following the line of the archway in the portal
of Varied Industries, described in the foregoing page, appears Ralph
Stackpole's "Man With the Pick," a manly tribute to the intelligent,
self-respecting workman who is the basis of our national life. There is
a frank and unaffected realism in the work that attracts by its
uncapitulating sincerity. Its impression of rugged power and
self-respect saves it from becoming merely photographic, and its plastic
feeling is excellent. In this and the preceding group, as also in the
keystone figure and the tympanum, the courageous employment of the
actual commonplace garments of everyday labor instead of idealized
draperies has met success. The tympanum group is called "Varied
Industries." It appreciates the various daily labors of mankind through
which civilization continues and is almost devotional in its expression
- "in the handicraft of their work is their prayer."



The Useful Arts
Frieze Over South Portals



Another artist who appreciates the spirit and enterprise of our own day
and finds inspiration in its humble labors is Mahonri Young. This