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The Expanding Universe by Marshall Maynard Fredericks
Photo CreditCarol M. Highsmith Photography
The Expanding Universe
Photo CreditCarol M. Highsmith Photography

The Expanding Universe

Artist
Year1963
Classification sculpture
Medium bronze
Dimensions26' x 10'
Credits Commissioned through the Fine Arts in New Federal Buildings Program
Fine Arts Collection
U.S. General Services Administration
Location

  • The figure suggests a superhuman mythological being he is seated upon a 10-foot sphere, encrusted with a multitude of stars of various magnitudes set in a pattern of the principal constellations of the celestial system. In his hands he holds two planets which he is sending off into space. His hair, designed with jagged lighting-like forms, is studded with clusters of multi-pointed stars. The dynamic spiral orbit form swirling around the sphere represents the speed and perpetual movement of the heavenly bodies in space.


    The complete concept is intended to symbolize the vitality, immensity, order and mystery of the universe.