Saturday, May 13, 2023

Prometheus At Rockefeller Center

 


I was walking by Rock Center recently and in place of the ice rink was a roller rink  The new layout allowed for a completely different angle for a photograph of Prometheus  

Prometheus statue low angle Rockefeller center building rising in background
PROMETHEUS 





The Prometheus sculpture at Rockefeller Center is a 1934 gilded, cast bronze sculpture by Paul Manship. It is located above the lower plaza at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, New York City. The statue is 18 ft (5.5 m) tall and weighs 8 tons. It depicts the Greek legend of the Titan Prometheus, who was the son of the Titan Iapetus and the Oceanid Clymene, brought fire to mankind by stealing it from the Chariot of the Sun, which resulted in Zeus chaining Prometheus and sending an eagle to prey upon his continually regenerating liver.

The statue was commissioned by John D. Rockefeller Jr., who was the driving force behind the construction of Rockefeller Center. Manship was a well-known sculptor at the time, and his work was often praised for its classical beauty and realism. The Prometheus sculpture was one of the first pieces of art to be commissioned for Rockefeller Center, and it quickly became one of the most iconic symbols of the complex.

The statue was unveiled in 1934, just as the Great Depression was beginning. In the midst of economic hardship, the Prometheus sculpture came to represent hope and resilience. The statue's message of human ingenuity and progress was a source of inspiration for many New Yorkers during a difficult time.

The Prometheus sculpture has been a popular tourist destination ever since it was unveiled. It is a popular spot for photos, and it is often used as a backdrop for special events. The statue is also a reminder of the importance of art and culture in our lives. It is a symbol of the human spirit, and it stands as a testament to the power of creativity.

In addition to the Prometheus sculpture, Rockefeller Center is home to a number of other works of art. These include the Atlas Fountain, the Channel Gardens Fountain, and the Paul Manship Fountain. The complex also features a number of murals and sculptures by other artists. These works of art add to the beauty and cultural significance of Rockefeller Center.