Creator of iconic, modernist sculptures that blend ancient and futuristic elements, including the famous Prometheus statue at Rockefeller Center.
Paul Manship, an American sculptor, is renowned for his breathtaking mythological creations in a classical style, which catapulted him to the forefront of the Art Deco movement. His large-scale public commissions, including the iconic Prometheus in Rockefeller Center and the Celestial Sphere Woodrow Wilson Memorial in Geneva, Switzerland, have left an indelible mark on the world of art and architecture.
Born on December 24, 1885, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Paul Howard Manship was the son of Charles H. and Mary Etta Friend Manship. His early life was marked by a strong inclination towards art, which led him to pursue his passion at the St. Paul School of Art in Minnesota. He further honed his skills at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia and later at the Art Students League of New York, where he studied anatomy under George Bridgman and modeling with Hermon Atkins MacNeil.
Manship's artistic approach was characterized by a strong affinity for classical mythology and a penchant for linear compositions with a flowing simplicity. He rejected the ornate and complex Beaux-Arts architecture movement, which dominated the art world during his time. This stance earned him recognition early in his career, and his unique style went on to influence a generation of artists.
Some of Manship's most notable works include:
Manship shared a summer home in Plainfield, New Hampshire, with William Zorach, a fellow artist and member of the Cornish Art Colony. This highly social community of artists played a significant role in shaping Manship's artistic vision and creative approach. His love for the simple, rustic life was reflected in his artist retreat on Cape Ann, where he spent many summers surrounded by nature and like-minded individuals.
Through his art, philosophy, and personal life, Paul Manship has left an indelible mark on the world of art and architecture. His legacy continues to inspire and influence artists, architects, and art lovers alike, solidifying his position as one of the most important American sculptors of the 20th century.
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