JAMES EARLE FRASER. The Discoverers ---- Right Face

Even within what appears to be the rigid symmetry of the Michigan Avenue Bridge, a Sculptor makes decisions.  Above, James Earle Fraser's "Discoverers" looks to the right -- that Guardian Angel leading the charge is headed straight toward Michigan Avenue.  Henry Hering's work (below), "The Defenders" turns in upon itself, and is "at rest" on its Bridge Tower.

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The difference in depictions of the Native Americans is also at variance.  Hering's Indians attack.  Fraser's are at ease.  Docile.  The truth may be somewhere in between.

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Literally.  This Colonial Dames of Ameria plaque is located on the bridge span itself.  There are two. And both are of remarkable quality.

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JAMES EARLE FRASER . The Discoverers ---- In Charge.

Fraser's Native Americans,  throughout "The Discoverers"  on the Northwest Michigan Avenue Bridge Tower, are docile, subservient, even to the extreme.  
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One kneels at Father Marquette's feet.  Others carry the canoe.  The Discover's are in full regalia, moving, decisively from left to right..  The Native Americans are at rest, and wear, primarily, sandals.

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JAMES EARLE FRASER . The Discoverers ... At Dawn.

Henry Hering was responsible for Sculpture on the two South Michigan Avenue Bridge Towers.  (See Previous POSTS).  This is our first look at James Earle Fraser's work on the North Michigan Avenue Bridge Towers.  There are substantial differences in composition, subject and interpretations.  Although both studied under Augustus Saint Gaudens.  But the best place to start is with the details.  Pictured below is a secondary figure from 'THE DISCOVERERS."

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These photos were taken at dawn on the Summer Summer Solstice in 2009.  Fraser's work often seems to take a second place to Hering's.  Part of this, surely, is that they face North.  And are in shadow for most of the year. 

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FRED M. TORREY. 333 N. Michigan Avenue

The Holabird and Root "frame" is almost as good as Fred Torrey's  bas relief description of activities at  Fort Dearborn.  Deco Ornament (both here and at Holabird and Root's Board of Trade) is spectacular.

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Portrayal of Native Americans varies widely in the area of the Michigan Avenue Bridge. In this case, (on the West facade of 333 North) it is the Indian who is fully civilized. (Note the carefully pressed robe.) And the slouching pioneer whose character is doubtful. (That can't be a jacket with no pants....??)

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