Artist: Lipchitz, JacquesTitle: "Peace on Earth"
Location: Music Center Plaza, 135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles
Date of Manufacture: 1966-69
Date of Installation: May 4, 1969. Foundation designed in 1987
Foundry or Fabrication: Luigi Tommasi Foundry, Piertransanta, Italy
Dimensions: H: 29' W: 13' x D:13'
Plaque: Two plaques located on north and south sides of base
Inscriptions: Plaques: PEACE ON EARTH/ BY/JACQUES LIPCHITZ/GIVEN AS A SYMBOL OF PEACE/TO THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD/ BY/LLOYD E. RIGLER LAWRENCE E. DUETSCH/1969
On bench adjacent to sculpture: THE PLAZA FOUNDATION/ DESIGNED BY/WETDESIGN/LOS ANGELES, CA USA/ 1987 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED/US PATENT #4,892,2450- OTHER US&/FOREIGN PATENTS APPLIED FOR
Siting: The sculpture is located on a concrete plaza located on the Music Center and the Mark Taper Forum and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles. It is the center of the fountain that sprays on the base and the bottom third of the bronze. The sculpture is accessible to the public, yet it is elevated on a tall base, and the jets of water protect the sculpture during most of the day (8am-12am)
Description: Peace on Earth is composed of a large, hollow cast bronze sculpture mounted on a granite clad base that is set in the center of the fountain complex. The sculpture depicts a dove descending to earth bearing the spirit of peace. A stylized Madonna stands within a tear-shaped canopy below the dove. A column of intertwined figures reaching up toward the dove supports the Madonna. The bronze is supported on the interior by a steel armature. The column of figures is welded onto a bronze base.
The bronze surface was originally given a chemical patina. The patina has altered over time and a heavy layer of corrosion developed on the surface. The sculpture was repatinated in about 1990. The original color of the patina can no longer be distinguished, unless evidence can be found during close investigation in protected crevices.
The polished granite clad base is composed of four walls sloping inwards. Two polished granite plaques with incised inscriptions are mounted on the north and south sides of the base. A stainless steel plaque is mounted on the side of an adjacent bench, commemorating the re-design of the fountain in 1987.
The original fountain, which contained a dark surface reflecting pool was dismantled in 1987. The new fountain consists of a computer driven system of vertical water jets. The water pipes, lights and other equipment are located underneath the plaza, which is covered by loosely set cast concrete panels.