Beneath the towering skyscrapers a golden figure plummets. That is Prometheus at Rockefeller Center. He is forever falling through a ring of zodiac signs. This 18-foot-tall gilded bronze sculpture weighs eight tons. It is the work of Paul Manship from 1934.
Prometheus, a Greek Titan is best known for his defiance. He gifted fire to humanity against the gods’ wishes. Thus, he symbolizes civilization, progress, human striving and the quest for knowledge. Rockefeller Center’s theme was “New Frontiers and the March of Civilization.” Therefore, Prometheus was the perfect choice.
John D. Rockefeller Jr. commissioned the Prometheus sculpture. He wanted a piece that spoke of hope during the Great Depression. Manship’s work became an iconic symbol of Rockefeller Center. The statue represents human ingenuity and progress. It inspired many New Yorkers during that difficult time.
Visitors often admire the inscription. It is a paraphrase from Aeschylus. It reads “Prometheus, teacher in every art, brought the fire that hath proved to mortals a means to mighty ends.” This inscription highlights Prometheus’s gift to humanity. It underscores the statue’s meaning.
Prometheus is the most photographed artwork in New York City. It ranks among the most recognizable statues in the United States. Only the Statue of Liberty, the Lincoln Memorial and Mount Rushmore are more famous.
Originally, two other figures flanked Prometheus. These were Youth and Maiden. They represented mankind receiving fire. Manship later felt they detracted from Prometheus. They were moved and eventually placed elsewhere.
Over the years, opinions of Prometheus varied. Some critics lauded it. Others derided it. One critic said Prometheus looked like he had sprung from a bowl of hot soup. Someone even called it “Leapin’ Louie.”
Despite mixed reviews, Prometheus endured. Once, workers found bird nests within the statue. Nelson Rockefeller ordered they not be disturbed until the eggs hatched. In another instance, someone poured soap into the fountain creating a bubble bath for Prometheus.
Maintaining Prometheus is no small feat. Its thin coating of 24-karat gold requires regular attention. The statue receives an annual cleaning before Good Friday. It has been regilded several times over the decades.
Today, Prometheus is a beloved symbol of Rockefeller Center. It stands as a testament to human achievement and progress. Though its creator, Paul Manship, wasn’t entirely satisfied with it. He said, “I don’t like it too well no. I don’t think too well of it.”
Whether Manship liked it or not, Prometheus remains an iconic figure. He welcomes visitors to Rockefeller Center. He reminds everyone of the power of knowledge and innovation. So, take a moment to appreciate Prometheus at Rockefeller Center. A symbol of human potential forever falling towards progress.