Gossips' post about plans for the Public Square, in particular for the fountain and its ornamentation, inspired posts on Facebook and Instagram questioning the appropriateness of goats in the fountain design.
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| Image: Dan Seward | Facebook |
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| Image: Hudsonwail | Instagram |
Needless to say, the notion of goats raised some questions for Gossips as well and inspired me to take a closer look at this image of the fountain from the Evelyn and Robert Monthie Slide Collection at the Columbia County Historical Society.
Look closely at the ornamental frieze around the basin just below Venus. Although fish heads might have been more in keeping with the aquatic theme of Venus rising from the sea, those are the heads of goats.
Now that the beautiful fountain in Public Park is nearly completed and our citizens have enjoyed the sight of "Venus Rising from the Sea," exhibiting in the most effective manner the power of our water supply, and proving that it can be put to ornamental as well as useful purposes, it is proper to speak in detail of this work of art, and award credit to those who were chiefly instrumental in procuring it.
The total height of the fountain, including the foundation, is eighteen feet. The pan is a gurgoyle octagon, eight feet five inches above the base: diameter of pan, eight feet, eleven inches. The ground basin is twenty five feet in diameter. The foundation is of Coral Marble, handsomely cut, from the quarries of Supervisor Fred. W. Jones, and was donated by the energetic and public spirited gentleman.
The foundation is capped by a fine slab of Vermont marble, which was generously donated by Patrick Hoctor, of the Hudson Granite and Marble Works. From this rises the base surrounded by the figures, all in graceful proportion and artistic design. But to be fully appreciated, it must be seen when the water in full force is playing through its numerous jets and rising and falling in fantastic forms.
Mr. D. Martin Haviland is entitled to much credit for his persevering efforts in securing to the city not only this beautiful fountain, but the handsome park in which it is located. One of the most unsightly spots in the city has within a few years been converted into one of the most attractive. In this enterprise Mr. Haviland's efforts have been generously seconded by the Boston & Albany Railroad Company, and the action of our Common Council, by the contributions of citizens, and by the local press.
At the outset we said the fountain was nearly completed. It only lacks the finishing touches of the artist's brush. This, we understand, Mr. Silas W. Tobey, the veteran artist, has volunteered to do, and this assurance is sufficient guarantee that the work will be well done and in keeping with the fountain and its surroundings.
COPYRIGHT 2024 CAROLE OSTERINK
Funny that I didn't make that connection earlier. Venus is the Roman version of Aphrodite and Aphrodite was of course known to have ridden goats (Aphrodite Epitragia).
ReplyDeleteWorthwhile remembering that the school Hudsonians of 1883 would have gone to probably bore little resemblance to the tragedy that the HCSD is offering us nowadays. They would have known their Greek mythology.
Yes but … hail satan!
DeleteWe love goats! It would be wonderful to see that beautiful sweet soul represented in the fountain. We need to honor animals as much as possible especially when humans are responsible for the exploitation, enslavement and slaughter of millions of innocent of animals for profit and ego. Stop Speciesism! Vegan for the Animals!
ReplyDeleteThey taste good, too. Most consumed terrestrial animal protein in the world.
DeleteHow about a slaughtered whale or two?
ReplyDeleteIt's time to leave exploited animals out of snarky comments. Save them for what they are truly meant for like the extraordinary threat of dictator trump and allies. Juvenile and tone-deaf considering the ugliness of the industry and the crisis unfolding before our eyes in regard to the calamitous weather events around the world. Please.
ReplyDelete