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Lipchitz, Jacques,
Modern Art Foundry,
Mythology -- Classical
Allegory -- Civic
Abstract
Animal -- Bird
Outdoor Sculpture -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia
Sculpture
Prometheus Strangling the Vulture, (sculpture).
Artist:
Lipchitz, Jacques, 1891-1973, sculptor.
Modern Art Foundry, founder.
Title:
Prometheus Strangling the Vulture, (sculpture).
Dates:
1943-1944. Cast 1953. Installed May 1953.
Medium:
Sculpture: bronze; Base: limestone.
Dimensions:
Sculpture: approx. 132 x 54 l/2 x 92 in. including base; Figures: approx. H. 93 in.
Inscription:
(Sculpture, proper left side, lowest cloud form:) Lipchitz 1/2 1944 (Base, proper right rear surface of vertical side:) MODERN ART FDRY. N.Y. signed founder's mark appears
Description:
A semi-abstract work depicting the victory of man (as represented by Prometheus) over the dark forces of violence and destruction with particular reference to the totalitarian movements of the l930s. Prometheus was a mythological Greek hero who stole fire from the Gods as a gift to the first humans. As punishment, Zeus chained him to a rock in Caucasus and had a giant bird eat his organs. This punishment lasted until he was finally freed by Hercules. In Lipchitz's interpretation of the myth, Prometheus fights back to free himself and strangle the bird that has tortured him.
Subject:
Mythology -- Classical -- Prometheus
Allegory -- Civic -- Injustice
Abstract
Animal -- Bird
Object Type:
Outdoor Sculpture -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia
Sculpture
Owner:
Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Parkway entrance, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130
Remarks:
The plaster of the sculpture was created in 1943-44 and was exhibited in 1952 at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts where it won the George D. Widener Gold Medal. Following the exhibition, the Philadelphia Museum of Art purchased the plaster and had Lipchitz supervise the casting in 1952-53.
References:
Index of American Sculpture, University of Delaware, 1985.
Public Monument Conservation Project, 1986.
Fairmount Park Art Assoc., "Sculpture of a City: Philadelphia's Treasures in Bronze & Stone," NY: Walker Publ., 1974, pg. 258-265.
Bach, Penny Balkin, "Public Art in Philadelphia," Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1992, pg. 227.
Save Outdoor Sculpture, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia survey, 1993.
Illustration:
Fairmount Park Art Assoc., "Sculpture of a City: Philadelphia's Treasures in Bronze & Stone," NY: Walker Publ., 1974, pg. 258-265.
Note:
The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.
Repository:
Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012
Control Number:
IAS PA000001
Copy/Holding information
Smithsonian AmericanArt Museum
Control Number
Inventory of American Sculpture
PA000001
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