Federal Reserve Bank

Paul Philippe Cret
1931-35



A monumental variation on a classical temple

Instead of a temple porch with columns, here the columns are replaced by Doric pilasters and the arcade with recessed windows with elaborate grillwork. The "attic" is comprised of three stories of offices.
 
 

The frieze with a vague sense of metopes and triglyphs

 
 

Bas reliefs flanking the entrance, sculpted by Alfred Boitteau

The relief to the left depicts Athena, the goddess of wisdom, with one of her symbols, the owl, signifying watchfulness and wisdom; the seated figure holds a statue of the warrior Athena with helmet and shield. To the right in this relief, her special gift, the olive tree is illustrating--giving shade, oil, and olives. The figure in the right hand relief suggests the virtues of the country's economy--trade, business, and agriculture.



See other examples of Cret's works in artists' index on this site.


Click here to return to index of art historical sites.

Click here to return to index of artists and architects.

Click here to return to chronological index.

Click here to see the home page of Bluffton University.


© 2008 Mary Ann Sullivan. I have photographed (on site), scanned, and manipulated all the images on these pages. Please feel free to use them for personal or educational purposes. They are not available for commercial purposes.