Some Rockefeller Center Sculptures

A faithful reader of this blog recently suggested that I write a post dealing with sculptures at New York City's Rockefeller Center.  Fine idea.  Below are images from when the center was new along with some color photos I took on various visits.

The style used by the various artists is what might today best be called Moderne or Art Deco.  In the 1930s when the work was done, the works were simply fashionable, up-to-date sculpting in tune with the architecture of the development.

Gallery

Architectural rendering of lower Rockefeller Plaza by John Wenrich, 1932.  At the time this was made, it seems that decisions regarding the sculpture at the fountain and the decorations over the entrance to the RCA Building behind it had not been made final.  So Wenrich probably used his imagination regarding those details.

"Prometheus" by Paul Manship - 1934 photo.

Prometheus in the foreground along with two adjoining works that are no longer present.  In the background is the main entrance area of the RCA Building with sculptural items by Lee Lawrie.

Closer, more recent view.

RCA Building entrance sculptures.

This is now called "Wisdom." Originally it was "Genius." Or more precisely, "Genius, Which Interprets to the Human Race the Laws and Cycles of the Universe, Making the Cycles of Light and Sound."

Flanking Genius are "Sound" (to the left) and "Light" (to the right, shown here).

Bronze Mercury on the British Empire Building, Lee Lawrie sculptor.

Also by Lawrie, but on the Maison Française, "Seeds of Good Citizenship," 1937.

Isamo Noguchi working on the full-scale plaster model of "News" for the Associated Press Building.

News being installed, 1940.

Bronze figures atop the main entrance to the British Empire Building, Carl Paul Jennewein sculptor.

Maison Française entrance bronze by Alfred Janiot.

Besides Prometheus, the best-known Rockefeller Center sculpture is "Atlas" at the front of the International Building, Lee Lawrie sculptor.

Atlas closeup.