Thomas Jefferson
Exhibit, Fine Arts Rotunda

All the work of the late Karl Bitter bears a peculiar appeal at this time, since he was Chief of Sculpture of the Exposition, was so close personally to many of the men who made its beauty, was so valuable an influence to the art of our nation and left so ennobling a memory as man and as artist. His sustained, faithful and enduring works are well represented in the exhibit galleries by his "Signing of the Louisiana Purchase Treaty," made for the St. Louis Exposition and loaned by that city; his Tappan Memorial from the University of Michigan; his Rockefeller Fountain, and the appealing "Faded Flowers." A medal of honor was awarded to him. Thomas Jefferson was always a sympathetic study to Karl Bitter, who has interpreted that statesman, scholar and patriot in his several capacities. The original of the present statue was made for the University of Virginia; Jefferson said he preferred to be remembered as founder of that institution rather than as President of the United States. He is here represented in a moment of meditative leisure.

Lincoln
Exhibit, South Approach

Two noble Lincolns by the great Augustus Saint-Gaudens do honor to the city of Chicago and are distinguished by the titles "The Standing Lincoln" and "The Seated Lincoln." Both have the homely beauty, greatness and dignity of character that are essential to the presentment of this national inspiration. "The Seated Lincoln" here shown is the original bronze, not a replica. It was loaned, under the protection of heavy insurance, to the Fine Arts Department, and will soon be installed in a Chicago park. It is the property of the Lincoln Memorial Fund, a foundation of $100,000 left by the late John Crerar to commemorate Abraham Lincoln in Chicago. Saint-Gaudens, having made "The Standing Lincoln" with such success, was given the opportunity for a new presentation of this great theme. "The Seated Lincoln" has a soul-stirring expression of figure and countenance; the crumpled shirt, the square-toed shoes, the well-known shawl draped upon the chair, are not more real than the simple greatness of soul that somehow expresses itself throughout.

Earle Dodge Memorial
Exhibit, Fine Arts Rotunda

The "Princeton Student" made by Daniel Chester French as the Earle Dodge Memorial, is lent to the Exposition by the trustees of Princeton University. It is this master's expression of the type of young manhood that makes for the winning of respect and enthusiastic friendship and worthy leadership in our modern college life. Full of energy and spirit, the youth steps forward, physically rugged, of athletic prowess and sportsmanly character, intelligent, frank, clearbrowed, fearless and straightforward of gaze, bearing his books with care and ease and draped with the academic gown, symbol of scholastic achievement. To give this figure of young manhood the solemnity of a memorial and still keep it true to the hearty and cheerful vigor it depicts was a notable achievement. The setting in one of the arches of the Rotunda, with the lagoon and the landscape-planting in the background, is admirable. Two great universities have in recent years been graced by Mr. French's work; his "Alma Mater" on the great stairway of the Columbia University Library is one of the art treasures of New York City.

Fountain
Foyer, Palace of Fine Arts

This fountain, by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, who made the Fountain of El Dorado for the Exposition, is strikingly different from that work in treatment and character, showing a notable versatility and responsiveness to change in motif. As that was poetically symbolic, this is a massive direct work in a more virile and vigorous manner. It shows three well-modeled nudes supporting a bowl heavy with richly laden vines. Its installation in the center of the entrance hall of the Fine Arts Palace is in itself a work of art. The white marble fountain - for this is the original work, loaned by the artist - is cleverly contrasted with vivid green water plants in the bowl; just enough of them and tastefully placed. And in the rim small trees are set, of well-chosen verdure, shape and size. The fountain was awarded a bronze medal.

Wildflower
Garden Exhibit, Colonnade

One of the most varied and interesting talents among the younger men of distinction who have exhibited in the Department of Fine Arts is that of Edward Berge of Baltimore. The entire originality and freedom from mannerism with which each subject is met, and the variety of the subjects themselves, are worthy of note, as are also Mr. Berge's singular lightness and fluidity of method. His correctness is apparently unlabored. No small piece has more admirers than this sweet and merry little "Wildflower." A secret of her appeal may lie in the fact that the artist is the father of the model. The little girl, crowned with a wildflower, posed with the pertness of a wayside blossom, her hands extended like pointed leaves, has a roguishness and playful grace that charm. With something of the same humorous whimsy Mr. Berge exhibits a Sundial showing a nude baby, buxom and cuddlesome, embracing a new doll while the old one lies discarded, illustrating the legend, "There is no Time like the Present."