Today’s drawing is of the Swann Memorial Fountain, which is in the center of Logan Circle. The fountain memorializes Dr. Wilson Cary Swann, the founder of the Philadelphia Fountain Society.
It was designed by Alexander Stirling Calder, son of Alexander Milne Calder (who sculpted the William Penn statue on top of City Hall), and the architect Wilson Eyre. The fountain was completed in 1924.
The sculpture features three Native American figures which symbolize the area’s major streams. The girl leaning against the swan represents the Wissahickon Creek. The woman holding the neck of a swan represents the Schuykill River. The man reaching for his bow represents the Delaware River.
Original drawing available for purchase here.
