The abundance of the Seasons is symbolized in the fruit-bearing figures that form the pilasters of the cornices of the arches, and by the fat ears of corn depending from the Ionic capitals of the columns. These types of fruitfulness have a further justification in the neighborhood of the Palaces of Agriculture and Food Products, which border the court on the north.
The eastern and western arches are exquisite in their simple proportion, and the delicate charm of the fresco of their vaulted passages. The quality of this interior decoration is enhanced by the beauty of the staff work, which throughout this court is the most successful found in the Exposition. Here this plaster is soft, rich and warm, and looks more real and permanent than elsewhere.
I prefer to consider the northern approach between the two palaces as not a part of this court. The pleasant intimacy of the court would have been enhanced if it had been cut off from this approach by an arch. Half way down the forecourt is the formal fountain of Ceres by Evelyn Beatrice Longman, which must cheer the hearts of those who would have all art draped.
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Inscriptions in Court of Seasons
(a) On arch at east side:
So Forth Issew'd the Seasons of
The Yeare—First Lusty Spring All
Dight in Leaves and Flowres.
Then Came the Jolly Sommer Being Dight
In A Thin Silken Cassock Coloured Greene.
Then Came the Autumne All in Yellow Clad.
Lastly Came Winter Cloathed All in Frize
Chattering His Teeth For Cold that Did Him Chill.
—Spenser.
(b) On arch at west side:
For Lasting Happiness We Turn
Our Eyes To One Alone
And She Surrounds You Now.
Great Nature Refuge of the
Weary Heart And Only Balm To
Breasts That Have Been Bruised.
She Hath Cool Hands For Every
Fevered Brow And Gentlest
Silence For the Troubled Soul.