Lee Lawrie (1877-1963) was a German-American Art Deco architectural sculptor. He migrated to Chicago and worked during his youth in the many architectural wonders erected there in preparation for the
1893 World Columbian Exposition. He trained under and impressed many sculptors who travelled to Chicago, such as
Augustus Saint-Gaudens and
Philip Martiny, leading to many commissions across the United States.
This is
Atlas, a 45-ft tall work in bronze standing in Rockefeller Center in New York City. It was created in 1936 as a companion to
Manship's
Prometheus. In a reversal of the actual Greek myth, the modern Atlas confidently holds up the wonders of science and technology. Such as the optimism of Art Deco, even in the midst of the Great Depression.
This is
Courage, part of a tryptic of carved stone panels along with
Patriotism and
Wisdom, ironically located above the US Senate chambers.
1 comment:
Lee Lawrie was my grandfather.
Post a Comment