On the walls of the archway under the Tower of Jewels are eight
paintings celebrating the building of the Canal. All are by William de
Leftwich Dodge.
On the west wall the first panel is called Discovery. It portrays the
discovery of the Pacific Ocean by Balboa.
The second panel is called Atlantic and Pacific. A huge figure of Labor,
having brought together the oceans, is opening a waterway from West to
East. On the left an ox-drawn prairie schooner has arrived at the shore,
with types of Western civilization. On the opposite shore types of the
nations of the East, in a colorful group, are straining forward to meet
the West.
The third panel is entitled The Purchase. A figure representing the
United States is taking over the canal project from France. The French
laborers are throwing down their tools, and Americans press forward to
take them up.
In the group on the opposite wall the first panel is called Labor
Crowned. Victorious Labor is being crowned by the angel of Success,
while soldier and workers come to pay homage.
The second panel is entitled The Gateway of All Nations. Figures
symbolizing Progress call the world to pass through the Canal. Neptune
holds garlands by which he draws ships of the various nations toward the
waterway. Two laborers rest on their machines and watch the procession
which they have made possible.
The last panel is called Achievement. A woman with the symbols of
knowledge, or wisdom, sits enthroned, while about her are grouped
figures representing the forces instrumental in building the Canal. At
the left are laborers; at the right figures typifying Engineering,
Medical Science (with the Caduceus, the wand of Mercury, god of
medicine), and Commerce or Munificence.
These mural paintings are among the most interesting and most
imaginative of all those at the Exposition. Some of the groups are
particularly fine in coloring. Note the method of obtaining the right
effect of "flatness" by employing a conventional diaper pattern for the
background throughout. The panels here are much more effective under
full illumination at night than by daylight.