Palace of Fine Arts, Bernard R. Maybeck, of San Francisco. Conception
inspired by Boecklin's painting, "The Island of the Dead." Rotunda like
Pantheon in Rome. Colonnade suggested by Gerome's "Chariot Race."
Columns at end of colonnade, hint of Forum. Greek suggestion in
Corinthian columns and fretwork and frieze around rotunda. Roof garden
or pergola around edge of roof and the Egyptian red of wall gives
Egyptian note. Suggestion of overgrown ruin; atmosphere of melancholy
beauty. Originality of architectural design and treatment.
Curved hedge, obscuring view of floor of rotunda from opposite side of
lagoon, by John McLaren. African dew plant, as in south hedge. Laurels
and willows were originally planned to cover hedge and to reach to top
of columns. Monterey cypress at north end of colonnade.
Kneeling figure on altar directly in front of rotunda, "Reverence," by
Ralph Stackpole. Can be seen from across pool only.
Altar rock, planting grown down over edge gives effect of draped altar
cloth.
Frieze on altar rock, below kneeling figure, by Bruno Louis Zimm, of New
York. Represents "Source of Genius." In center, Genius; to left and
right, mortals seeking to approach genius; lions guard the youth. Seen
from across lagoon only.
Panels on exterior of rotunda just below dome, by Zimm, representing
progress and influence of art.
Eastern panel, "Struggle for the Beautiful"; in center, Truth; at sides,
Persistence and Strength, struggling with centaurs, symbols of
materialism.
Panel to left, "Power of the Arts"; Genius taming Pegasus, inspiration
in art; Wisdom inspiring Youth; Music with lyre; figures of Literature
and Sculpture.
Panel to right, "Triumph of the Arts"; Apollo, patron of arts, in
chariot; Fame, with olive branches; Ictinius, builder of Parthenon,
leads procession of devotees.
Three panels, repeated on five sides of rotunda.
Decorative figure, man and woman alternating, between panels, repeated
around rotunda.
Corinthian columns, ochre grouped with pale green ones; capitals of
burnt orange.
Flower boxes by Ulric H. Ellerhusen; women at corners. Original plan was
to have vines from boxes droop over, shoulders of women. Architect's
purpose in attitude of women to suggest sadness of art.
Roman vases, eight or ten feet high around colonnade. Massive and
graceful detail.
Sculpture Outside Fine Arts Palace Beginning at Northeast Corner of
Lagoon