Prometheus, Bronze sculpture at Rockefeller Center, US
Prometheus is a bronze sculpture in Art Deco style at Rockefeller Center in New York City. The gilded figure flies above a shallow water basin and holds a flame in its raised right hand.
Paul Manship created the work in 1934 for John D. Rockefeller's new development. The installation took place during the economic crisis and was meant to convey hope through the myth of the fire-bringer.
The figure takes its name from the Titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity. Visitors often gather around the basin, especially when the ice rink opens directly in front during winter.
The sculpture stands in the sunken plaza between the buildings and is accessible from all sides. The space in front becomes an ice rink in winter, which changes the perspective on the artwork.
The full-scale figure was modelled by Leonardo Nole, an Italian-American lifeguard from New Rochelle, who posed for three months in spring 1933; his assistant Angelo Colombo did most of the detail work and Henry Kreis sculpted the hair. The finished bronze stands 18 ft (5.5 m) tall and weighs 8 tons.
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