Past Tense Art in the Park Blocks: “Farewell to Orpheus” Frederic Littman Dedication of “Farewell to Orpheus” in 1972 “Farewell to Orpheus,” an iconic cast bronze sculpture and fountain, resides in the Park Blocks west of Smith Memorial Student Union and Cramer Hall. It depicts Eurydice, the wife of Orpheus from Greek mythology. Orpheus was allowed to bring Eurydice back from the dead on the condition that he walk in front of her and not look back until they both reached the upper world. Orpheus could not resist looking back to see her face, and she vanished back into the underworld. The sculpture was created by PSU Professor Frederic Littman (1907-1979) in 1968. It was installed as part of the South Park Blocks urban renewal project in 1972. Although the sculpture was always surrounded by water, it did not have a fountain until sometime in the early 1990s. The fountain continually recycles 227 gallons of water. The fountain stopped working in the early 2000s, but has now been repaired so that everyone can enjoy it more fully again. (This information was adapted from the PSU Facilities Department website.) Littman was born in Hungary, and, as did other Jewish artists, fled the growing holocaust in Europe in 1940 and came to the United States. He moved to Portland in 1941 where he was an artist-in-residence at Reed College. In 1946, he became an instructor at the Museum Art School. He came to PSU as an associate professor of art in 1960, became a full professor in 1966, and retired in 1973. His works have been described as romantic, impressionistic, and figuratively based. His works are highly respected. (This information is adapted from the Oregon Encyclopedia – www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/littman_frederic_1907-1979) Mary Brannan 3
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