These four allegorical stone carvings express ideal aspects of the development of modern civilization: Genius Seizing the Light of the Sun (the development of electricity and communications), The Conquest of Space and Gifts of Earth to Mankind (an acknowledgement of spirituality), and The Spirit of Progress (a reference to the bond between capitalism and the unions during the building of the Center). Although Lachaise wasn’t popular with art critics at the time, he was championed by Nelson and Abby Rockefeller, who were supporters of avant-garde artists and collectors of his work.