Fountain: lead; Basin: Indiana white limestone; Larger basin: concrete
Type:
Sculptures-Outdoor Sculpture
Sculptures-Fountain
Sculptures-Relief
Sculptures
Owner/Location:
Administered by University of Kansas Office of Capital Programs 351 Strong Hall Lawrence Kansas 66045
Located West entry to Jayhawk Boulevard in traffic circle Lawrence Kansas
Date:
Dedicated April 23, 1955
Notes:
Save Outdoor Sculpture, Kansas survey, 1994.
Image on file.
Kansas Alumni Magazine (May 1955).
The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.
Summary:
A tiered fountain consisting of a four rams' heads at the top, a stone basin, and an octagonal lead base faced with eight bas-relief plaques, set within two larger concrete basins. The relief plaques depict the Eleusinian myth from Greek mythology. The four main panels include: Hades with his chariot and plunging horse; Persephone with crown and flowers, seen with Hermes, in traditional winged hat and sandals and caduceus with entwined snakes; Demeter with flaming torch and sheaf of wheat; and Persephone, with her scepter as Queen of the Dead. The alternating panels are decorated with a sheaf of wheat (symbol of Demeter); a pomegranate (symbol of Persephone); a cluster of carnations (symbol Chi Omega); and a figure of an owl.
