This sculpture—a brutal depiction of a goat being carried away in the talons of two strong eagles—is the work of an animalier: a sculptor of animals.
Bronzes like these were popular in the second half of the 19th century, and they’re all over New York parks and zoos.
“The naturalistic and sometimes fierce imagery or this type of sculpture is meant to evoke the strength of nature, expanding on 18th century Romanticism,” the New York City Parks Department website explains.
“Eagles and Prey,” by Christophe Fratin, has another distinction: it’s the oldest sculpture in any city park, cast in Paris in 1850.
Not all the animalier statues were so harsh though; later works were much gentler—such as Lioness and Cubs, by Victor Peter, cast in 1899 and on display at the Prospect Park Zoo.
Tags: animal sculptures in New York, animalier, animals in New York parks, Central Park Sculpture, Christophe Fratin, oldest sculpture in Central Park, Prospect Park Zoo, Romanticism, Victor Peter
February 1, 2010 at 1:38 pm |
My favorite is a husky from the Gold Rush or something about that time, somewhere in the 60s or 70s Streets. I was sitting atop that husky as other kids stooped down from getting in the photo with me sitting so boldly on its back. “Mush!” I say…and smile and walk away.
February 1, 2010 at 3:09 pm |
Might be the statue of Balto–he’s the sled dog who brought medicine to sick Alaskans in the 1920s:
http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/balto.html
February 1, 2010 at 3:20 pm |
Yes, that’s the one, right on the edge of the underpass. I just couldn’t recall the name. Thanks wildnewyork and Balto…
February 2, 2010 at 6:24 pm |
Where can I find that eagle and goat sculpture?
February 3, 2010 at 3:28 pm |
It’s in the center of the park, near the mall, around 70th Street I’d say.
December 12, 2011 at 2:33 am |
[...] City parks are filled with animal sculptures—some quite brutal and realistic, reminding genteel urbanites of the power and grandeur of nature. [...]
January 2, 2013 at 4:18 am |
[...] wild boar is a powerful piece of animal art. Of course, it’s not exactly a cuddly sculpture for kids—especially on the base, where [...]
January 28, 2013 at 3:28 am |
[...] and was inspired by the real-life animals at the Central Park Zoo (then called the Menagerie) was an animalier, and his jaguars, lions, and other cats are on display in cities across the [...]