The Fountain of Energy in the South Gardens was designed to be the
crowning feature of the sculpture of the Exposition, just as the Tower
of Jewels was designed to dominate the architectural scheme; and it
fails of its high purpose in much the same way. It is closely allied
with the tower in symbolic meaning, celebrating man's victory over the
forces of nature in the successful building of the canal.
In the pool at the base of the fountain are a number of graceful groups
of water sprites on dolphins, and four larger groups representing the
four great seas. The one to the east of the main fountain represents The
Atlantic Ocean as a woman with sea-horses in one hand and coral like
hair, on the back of a conventionalized dolphin. At the north The North
Sea is represented by a sort of sea-man, with occasional fins and with a
three-pronged spear in hand, riding on a walrus. At the west The Pacific
Ocean is typified by a woman on a remarkable sea monster. And on the
south a sea-man with negro-like features, and with an octopus in one
hand, rides on a sea-elephant, representing The South Seas.
The main pedestal of the statue is a globe, representing the earth. This
is supported by a series of figures of mermaids and mermen. The Eastern
and Western Hemispheres are represented by figures reclining on the
globe, the one to the east a cat-headed woman, the one to the west a
bullheaded man. The band, decorated with aquatic figures, which
encircles the globe, suggests the final completion of a waterway about
the earth.
Energy, the Victor, the surmounting group, typifies the indomitable
spirit that has achieved the building of the Canal. The nude figure of
Energy with arms outstretched rides a horse through the waves, while on
his shoulders stand smaller figures of Valor (with a wreath) and Fame
(with a sword) heralding the triumph. These small figures are
unfortunate they hardly belong, and instinctively one is worried for
their equilibrium.
The whole fountain is instinct with energy, and expresses joyous
achievement, as was meant. Moreover it is remarkable in its breadth of
conception, in imaginative interpretation of the theme. But it lacks
that sense of repose which would make it intimately satisfying.
The fountain was designed by A. Stirling Calder.