THE STATUE OF “PLENTY” from Picturesque World’s Fair (W. B. Conkey, 1894).

The pieces of statuary which stood beside the portals of the great buildings or bridge approaches, or on pedestals overlooking the Grand Basin and canals and lagoons, had all definite names fitted to the idea of their conception. What Kemeys and Proctor did with wild animals Potter and French did with domestic ones, introducing them in statuary with fine effect. The Statue of “Plenty” was well conceived in the female figure leaning carelessly and trustingly against the massive side of the bull, one arm resting on the abundant product of the field half borne upon his back, the other extended and holding above his head the stalk of maize with its ripened ear indicating the garnered harvest. The sturdy frame and gentle countenance of the great bull indicate the breeding which is proof of the times of peace and attention to the development of what is best among dumb beasts, and the face and posture of the graceful woman indicate alike content and triumph. It was good for the Columbian Exposition that in these out-door exhibits of American art the same standard was maintained which made the buildings themselves such marvels and the design of the Fair as a whole so beautiful and striking. It has been mentioned as a singularity of the groups such as the Statues of “Plenty ” and “Industry,” that, though made by different sculptors, the animal and human figures were in perfect harmony of composition.

Image source: Picturesque World’s Fair (W. B. Conkey, 1894)