Music is represented by a female figure clothed in flowing garments.
In the act of playing, her left hand holds a violin; the bow in her right.
She is crowned with a laurel wreath.
Architecture
Architecture is portrayed with the architect resting one arm atop a column capital,
balancing a drawing tablet with the design of the Greek Antae on his lap, and holding a
compass in his left hand. Behind him is a smaller relief sculpture of the pediment of a Greek Temple.
Geology & Painting
Geology
Absorbed in his work, Geology sits at a site positioned in front of a mass of rock.
He holds a hammer in his right hand, and closely examines a found specimen in his left.
Painting
The artist is depicted at her craft, seated before an easel cradling
the palette in her left arm, a brush in the right hand. Behind her is a potted fern.
Mechanics & Electricity
Mechanics
Mechanics has been seated among his tools. His feet rest on an anvil
and the left hand holds a pinion. Resting, his right arm supports him
on a vice, and in his hand he holds a file. A square and compass
occupy the background of the scene.
Electricity
This female nude represents Electricity. In her hands she holds a cord that
appears connected to the clouds; drawing the power to earth and
transmitting it to the machinery below.
Botany & Surveying
Botany
A maiden clothed in a casual draping represents Botany.
Trailing vines and delicate flowers surround her. She has been
captured here, intently studying a rose.
Surveying
Seated in front of a scene depicting a Roman Aqueduct, a man is the
chosen representative of Surveying. He holds a detail drawing
in his lap, his left hand wields an old Roman leveling device. Near
his right arm the survey target has been placed.
Enlightenment & Agriculture
Enlightenment
Presented in a casual stance, Enlightenment holds a book in his left hand,
and in his right hand he holds a torch. This sculpture bears a similarity to the
Statue of Liberty and suggests knowledge as the path to enlightenment.
Agriculture
Agriculture is engaged in the act of harvesting. He bears a
sickle in his right hand, and is seated among the sheaves of wheat.
History & Study
History
The young man representing History has been placed atop an hourglass,
possibly suggesting that History is victory over Time. He is engaged scribing a
tablet with Greek letters.
"SINE IBA ET STUDIO"
History’s inscription reads "SINE IRA ET STVDIO."
One interpretation suggests: "Without prejudice but with zeal."
Study
Here a female figure, embraced by the graceful folds of her gown,
is the icon for Study. Diligently reading her book, Study is
perched atop several more volumes.
Fiction & Poetry
Fiction
A small child is standing on a footstool, obviously engaged with
the stories of Fiction. The old woman, with one hand on a crutch,
exemplifies her point with her outstretched finger. Over her shoulder
sits a raven. She is seated with a "pot of mystery" at her feet.
Poetry
We recognize Homer as the chosen bard to represent Poetry.
In his left hand he holds a harp – in his right, a scroll. His feet rest
upon a column capital.
Astronomy & Philosophy
Astronomy
Astronomy is seated with an hourglass and a globe. He gazes out into the
distance through his telescope. In his left hand he holds a pair of dividers.
Philosophy
Socrates, his hand held high in the process of an explanation,
has been chosen as the representation of Philosophy. He bears
a scroll on his lap, his feet rest on a pedestal supported by an
owl – the symbol of wisdom, and an ancient lamp lights his place.
Justice & Entomology
Justice
This female figure representing Justice holds the Scales of Justice in her left hand
and the Sword to Execute in her right. Her face presents a suggestion of sternness
not found in the other sculptures.
Entomology
An older man represents Entomology. The scientist is shown carefully
examining the butterfly specimen through his microscope. Lighting his
desktop, an ancient oil lamp has been placed.
Entomology Studies the Butterfly
Archaeology & Medicine
Archaeology
Positioned with his foot on a rock, one hand on the head of the Sphinx, and
the other carefully holding an artifact, the archaeologist is engaged with his
vocation. Behind him, a collection of pottery has been displayed.
Medicine
A female figure has been chosen as the personification of Medicine, and a
serpent represents disease. Medicine holds a bowl containing the remedy in her
left hand while her right hand controls the serpents’ head – forcing it into the bowl.
Comedy & Ethnology
Comedy
The smiling female represents Comedy. Perched with her elbow resting on
the comic mask, the folds of her dress drape her figure with a casual grace.
Ethnology
Ethnology is the branch of anthropology that deals with the comparative cultures
of various peoples. Here the man is portrayed engaged in the first efforts of
civilized man – the crafting of rude, clay vessels. His setting includes a stone
wall, other vessels, and a clay idol.
Sculpture & Tragedy
Sculpture
Possibly a representation of the artist Fjelde himself, the sculptor holds a hammer
in one hand and a chisel in the other. He works on a marble bust, located behind
him is a completed work in bas-relief.
Tragedy
Sorrow is apparent in the posture of the beautifully draped female
figure representing Tragedy. Her eyes are cast down, a mask
balancing on her knee supported with her right hand, and she grasps a
laurel wreath in her left hand.