Robert I Aitken

The fountain consists of two parts: the larger and central part is composed of a globe representing the earth, with four panels of figures on the four sides, representing incidents of life on earth or riddles of existence. The smaller part is on the same pedestal to the south of the central component. the pedestal is divided into two groups by a formalized wing throught the center. The two scenes here represent life before and after earthly existence.

Original image from a site about the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. A more detailed explanation of the fountain can be found in Sheldon Cheney's book An Art-lover's Guide to the Exposition: Explanations of the Architecture, Sculpture and Mural Paintings.

The Supreme Court Building's architect Cass Gilbert recommended Aitken for this project and gave him free rein in choosing the subject matter for the sculpture, requesting only that the composition "be worthy of the great Supreme Court."

Aitken proposed a design incorporating nine allegorical figures, and described them as follows:

My simple Sculptural story is as follows: Liberty enthroned - looking confidently into the Future - across her lap the Scales of Justice - She is surrounded in the composition by two Guardian figures. On her right "Order"... On her left "Authority"...Then to the right and left... two figures each represent "Council." Then to the right and left...two figures represent "Research" Past and Present.

Aitken surprised many by choosing likenesses of people influential in the creation of the new building, including himself.