Laredo Taft's sculpture Fountain of the Great Lakes is located in one of the Art Institute of Chicago's gardens.
The sculpture if an allegory representing the Great Lakes (something that is an emotional draw for me growing up in Michigan). The five women in the sculpture are arranged in a lose pyramidal form that may take inspiration from Renaissance ideals. The five women are arranged to show the natural progression of water through the Great Lakes. The first female receives the water from the heavens, she represents Lake Superior. Michigan is on her side. Water flows from Michigan to Huron to Erie to Ontario. Ontario gazes into the open space of the park and stretches out her hand. She interacts with the viewer much like a Baroque artwork would.
As Ontario watches the water leave the great lakes she charges the viewer to take care of it as it passes to the ocean (through the St. Lawrence).
This makes me wonder...could this be another early example of ecological consciousness? Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright were ahead of there time. Was Taft as well? Is this more than just beautiful? Does it provoke thoughts of water use, conservation, and/or proper use of natural resources?
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago to see the sculpture if you have a chance!
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