THE SCULPTURE
Eminent sculptors were employed to prepare the statuary for the building which was generally conceded to be as fine as any upon the Exposition grounds, being most admirably adapted to the building as to scale. There were two massive quadrigae flanking the dome typifying the "Progress of Art" and the "Progress of Commerce," which were the work of Phillip Martiny, to whom was also intrusted the work of preparing the elaborate group, crowding the main entrance to Festival Hall and entitled "Apollo and the Muses." About the huge columns flanking the steps which formed the approach and again about the columns at the foot of the grand staircase were dancing groups most gracefully modeled by Oscar L. Lenz. The same sculptor was also responsible for the figure of "Greeting" which stood in the lower niche at the north end of the building. The coat of arms of the State which appeared frequently in the scheme of decoration was by Allen G. Newman. The work of reproduction in staff of the models prepared by the artists was performed by Messrs. Barth & Staak.
THE LIGHTING
The lighting of the building throughout was by electricity, and was particularly effective in the main entrance hallway, in that the lights, for the most part, were concealed behind cornices giving a very soft effect, and displaying to the best advantage the mural paintings. Throughout the building electroliers of special design were used. In the main hallway they took the form of quaint Florentine lanterns which were particularly rich in modeling and were an important factor in the scheme of decoration.
THE FURNISHINGS
The furnishings were most appropriate and harmonious throughout, much of the furniture having been especially built for the place in which it was to stand. In the main hallway stood massive Florentine chairs and settees, with high backs, upholstered in mottled embossed leather, each bearing the coat of arms of the State. The waiting and writing rooms were appointed and finished in the same simple design which prevailed in the main hallway, light green being the dominating color, the furniture being of mahogany, upholstered in Bedford cord. The effect was most restful to the tired visitor who entered the rooms upon a warm summer day, and their popularity was attested by the number of Exposition visitors, both from New York and elsewhere, who sought their quiet and refreshing atmosphere to recover from the fatigue of Exposition sight seeing.
THE ARCHITECT
The entire work of designing the building, sculpture, decorations and furniture was intrusted to Mr. Clarence Luce, of 246 Fourth avenue, New York city. Thoroughly familiar with the traditions of the great Empire State, Mr. Luce made the work committed to him a matter of State as well as professional pride, and the result of his long experience, coupled with his artistic temperament and sound judgment, was a building to which each New Yorker pointed with the utmost pride and which each stranger praised unstintingly. The prompt completion of the work so thoroughly and satisfactorily done was a source of gratification to the Commission, who at the first meeting held in the building passed commendatory resolutions concerning Mr. Luce.
There were State buildings which represented an outlay of considerably more money, but none which typified the commonwealth for which it stood more thoroughly than did the New York State building.