This is another harmonious fountain, rightly conceived, so that its
sculpture does not overbalance its use in the play of water, and
admirably in tune with the flowery grace of the court. Beauty, pouring
water from a Greek amphora, sits lightly upon the ugly Beast. Why she
wears a smart Paris hat no one has discovered. Four cheery pipers,
lively as crickets in the sun, support the upper bowl. Around the lower
basin is a frieze in low relief, figuring Hanuman, the King of Monkeys,
leading a bear with one hand and prodding a lion with the other. All
this is part of the original fairy-tale significance of the court.

The fountains are of the glories of the Exposition. There is always
charm in the movement of the waters, rest in their music. The appeal is
elemental, and therefore, universal. Artificial jets can never equal the
play of water in Nature, but when adorned with harmonious sculpture, as
here, they become that significant and satisfying imitation which is
Art.



XI.

The Palace of Machinery



A vast rectangular hall, saved by Ward's successful architecture from
being a huge barn--Modeled on the Roman Baths of Caracalla--Patigian's
finely decorative sculptures, symbolizing the mechanical forces and
labor--Beauty of the interior--A Cathedral of Dynamics.